The Federal Ministry of Education has approved the take-off of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, HIN, with a view to improving the quality of manpower in the Hajj and Umrah sector of the country.
A statement by the spokesperson for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAH|CON, Fatima Sanda-Usara said the approval was disclosed on Tuesday during the “First Board and Stakeholders’ Strategic Review and Planning Meeting in Abuja.
The statement added that the journey to the formation of the Institute began April 22, 2016, under the leadership of Abdullahi Mukhtar-Muhammad.
According to the statement, Mr Mukhtar had inaugurated a committee for the establishment of the training institute, headed by Prof. Abubakar A. Mustapha, and Dr. Saleh Okenwa as co-chairman along with 12 other members, including the present NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Zikrullah Kunle-Hassan, as member.
The statement said: “This committee had five terms of reference and their report was submitted to the then NAHCON Chairman/CEO on Wednesday 5th June, 2016.
“The HIN coordinator’s presentation at the retreat was an inspiring story of patient dedication and a quantum leap that produced the HIN today.
“Following consultations with various experts, counselling, identifying technical partners, the management of NAHCON’s fourth board finally constituted a Technical Advisory Committee to assist the Commission in actualizing the establishment of proposed Hajj institute.
“The committee was inaugurated and commenced its operations in September, 2020.
“Thereafter, on Tuesday 19th August 2020, a formal letter of intent was submitted by the Chairman/CEO to the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) requesting its approval for the Establishment of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
“At the meeting, the Executive Secretary resolved to expedite the process by sending a team from the NBTE on an Advisory Visit, which is one of the Board’s regulatory requirements.
“Dr Tanko revealed that, following the scheduled visit to the proposed institute’s site, the team of inspectors were impressed with HIN’s assets which they described as more than expected. That scenario boosted the institute’s chances.
“The NBTE had thereafter granted approval for NAHCON to bring up a workable, Academic Curriculum for tutoring in the proposed National Hajj Training Institute. Presentation of the working documents formed the focus of the first board meeting.
“According to the strategic focus as presented by the Interim Rector, HIN is designed to improve the quality of manpower in the Hajj and Umrah Sector in Nigeria to be at par with global industry standards.
“Thus, the HIN will organize and implement professional training programmes leading to the award of Professional Hajj Management Certificate, Diploma and PGD in core and allied related courses.
“HIN is scheduled to take-off with a Professional Certificate in Strategic Management for the Executive Managers of Hajj and Umrah Industry.
“In addition to the afore mentioned, the school will offer two Diploma Programmes, one in Hospitality &Tourism and the other in Computer Science.
“Some areas of coverage as take-off courses in the institute are: Leadership, Management and Responsibility: The Islamic Perspective; An overview of Hajj management structures in Nigeria and Saudi-Arabia; Foundations of strategic management for emerging Leaders and Managers of Hajj and Umrah Industry;
“Management Information System for Hajj and Umrah Operations; Value Chain Analysis and Evaluation of Hajj and Umrah Operations; Building and Managing Team Members for Successful Hajj/Umrah Operations; General Studies on International Language Proficiency Skill; PROJECT WRITING: Developing Digital Transformation Strategies for 2022 Hajj Operations (Maximum of 2000 words).
“Other Governance Documents presented were the Proposed Condition of Service, and A Students’ Handbook with foreword by NAHCON’s current Chairman.”
The NAHCON Chairman described the achievement as a personal joy, being part of the team at incubation.
He expressed gratitude to the Almighty for enabling and guiding the Commission to reach this level in establishing the HIN.
Abdullahi Magaji-Hardawa, in his closing remarks, thanked the participants for their contributions and prayed for divine guidance and capacity to carry out their obligations in the best interest of the Muslim Ummah.
