BTI Graduates 101 Professional Beauty Therapists, Marks 10th Anniversary

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Beauty Therapy Institute, Lagos, (BTI) has graduated 101 professionally trained beauty therapists during its graduation ceremony and industry summit tagged “Beauty Needs Education 7.0.”
The theme of the ceremony, which also celebrated the 10th anniversary of BTI, was “A Decade of Beauty, Excellence and Empowerment.”

The BTI, which was founded by Dr. Ifeoma Abajue, the Chief Executive Officer of The Aesthetic Clinic, pioneered the introduction of International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC) and CIDESCO Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) certifications within Nigeria.
Abajue said: “Ten years ago, we had a vision to make world-class beauty therapy education accessible right here in Nigeria. Today, seeing 101 trained professionals walk across this stage — many of whom will go on to build businesses, employ others, and redefine industry standards — is the fullest expression of that vision. BTI Lagos does not just train beauty therapists; we build the architects of Nigeria’s beauty economy.”

She said that the founding of BTI ended the era when aspiring beauty professionals would travel abroad for world-class qualifications.

She added that beauty professionals that were trained by BTI have gone on to launch successful skincare businesses, establish their own institutions, and elevate the standards of beauty therapy practice across Nigeria and West Africa.

Abajue said that as BTI Lagos enters its second decade, the institution would be focused on scaling its impact through curriculum expansion, increased access to international certifications, and the deepening of its collaboration with The Melanin Institute that is a growing professional community dedicated to advancing aesthetics for skin of colour.

She also said that the BTI, which has campuses in Lekki and Ikeja and a growing network of alumni across Nigeria and West Africa, would continues to define what beauty therapy education looks like on the African continent.

The ceremony opened with a pre-graduation Aesthetic Masterclass on “The Aesthetic Evolution for Skin of Colour,” which was facilitated by Gloria Ojo, Master Aesthetician and Head Aesthetician (International) at The Aesthetic Clinic, Ms. Gloria Ojo.

The session drew industry professionals and provided hands-on insight into the latest advances in melanated skin science.

Distinguished speakers that featured at the ceremony included the Founder of The Intrapreneur Project, Mrs. Ndidi Kodili Ukaonu: CEO of One Campaign, Dr. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli and Lagos State Commissioner of Youth & Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, who was the guest of honour.

Panelists during the event included, Dr. Uzoamaka Iloabachie, Dr. Folakemi Cole-Adeife of Lagos & University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Erere Otrofanowei (LUTH), Dr. Ehiaghe Lonia Anaba and Dr. Uju Rapu of Bel Fiore Medical Aesthetics; Ms. Joycee Awosika of Oriki Group and Mrs. Busola Jejelowo of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management.

The themes explored during the panel session were “Breaking Barriers: Advancements in Melanated Skin Science and Treatments Over the Last Decade” and “The Beauty Ecosystem: Building a Beauty Empire through Financial Intelligence, Conscious Leadership, and Community.”

The ceremony also included the presentation of special awards to Ms. Juliet Chinenye Ogbunize was honoured as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian.

Ogbunize emerged the best in Anatomy and Physiology, best in Microneedling, and best in Cosmetic Science.

Ms. Jo-Ann Efembe Philips received the ITEC Excellence in Beauty Specialist award, and Christiana Oriji was recognised with Distinction in CIDESCO Manual Facial.