The Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development has partnered with the ministry of education and Mall of Fame Nigeria to boost tourism education in the state.

Wale Ojo-Lanre, director-general of the bureau, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

He said that the partnership would focus on organising inter-school tourism debates and quiz competitions for secondary schools.

He said the partnership was solidified when he led a delegation to visit the permanent secretary of the Ekiti State ministry of education, Michael Omolayo, on Friday.

According to him, the plan is to integrate tourism education into the school system, ensuring students develop early appreciation for the sector.

Reaffirming the state’s tourism potential, Mr Ojo-Lanre emphasised the importance of educating students about tourism from an early age.

“Ekiti may not have oil, but it has something even greater, which is tourism. This competition is a step toward ensuring that students understand and appreciate tourism from an early age.

“Our goal is that by the end of every school session, each student in Ekiti should have visited at least one tourist site in the state.

“Education without tourism is knowledge lost,” he said.

“With this initiative, Ekiti State is set to strengthen its position as a leader in tourism education, equipping students with knowledge that extends beyond the classroom and into real-world experiences,” he said.

Also, Mr Omolayo commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritising tourism as a driver of the economy and social growth.

He also lauded Mr Ojo-Lanre’s commitment to raising awareness about tourism in Ekiti State.

He expressed optimism about the sector’s potential and emphasised the state’s commitment to incorporating tourism education into the curriculum.

He further announced that the commissioner for education had endorsed the competition and pledged full support for its execution.

Olugbenga Komolafe, representing Mall of Fame Nigeria, acknowledged the ministry’s backing and revealed that the national inter-school tourism debate and quiz competition for secondary schools had received national endorsement from the federal ministry of education.

Mr Komolafe noted that the initiative had also gained international recognition from the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage. 

(NAN)