Babalola Assumes Office As NHCI President

Light Nwobodo

The Council of the Nigerian Hotel and Catering Institute (NHCI) has elevated Prof. Wasiu Babalola as the Acting National President and Chairman of Council of the Institute, subject to ratification and confirmation at the Institute’s upcoming Annual General Meeting later in the year.

Babalola is a distinguished polymath with extensive expertise spanning hospitality and tourism management, forensic accounting and audit, accounting, law, marketing, strategic management, tax practices and others.

He is a Professor of Hotel Management and Tourism as well as the Chairperson of the National Technical/Mirror Committee on Tourism and Related Services. He holds dual PhDs in Hospitality Management and Forensic Accounting and Audit, alongside numerous academic qualifications across diverse disciplines.

A certified institutional and programme accreditor, certified national accountant, certified chartered forensic accountant, registered marketer, Cybersecurity and AI professional, among others.

He bridges academia and industry with exceptional proficiency.

Professionally, he serves as Senior Vice President for Africa at Continent Worldwide Hotels, overseeing operations across multiple countries, and is the Principal Promoter and Vice Chairman at EcoSignature Hospitality Services Limited, a growing hospitality consulting brand.