The Genesis of Training in Nigerian Hotels:
Traditionally, the Nigerian hotel industry leaned heavily on informal training practices. Many hotel employees began their careers with little to no formal education in hospitality management, relying instead on on-the-job learning through a process of trial and error.
While this method produced a workforce of resourceful and adaptable individuals, it also left a significant gap in standardized skills, particularly in areas like customer service, management, and specialized fields such as food and beverage services or housekeeping.
With the entry of international hotel chains into the Nigerian market, there has been a noticeable shift towards more structured training programs.
These global brands bring extensive experience, comprehensive training materials, and a strong commitment to upholding international standards.
As a result, many Nigerian hotels have started implementing more formalized training programs, often in partnership with both local and international training institutions to better equip their workforce.
The Current Landscape of Training and Development
Today, the approach to training and development in Nigerian hotels is more organized and varied than ever before.
Large hotels, particularly those linked to international brands, now have dedicated training departments that focus on a broad range of skills, including customer service, operational efficiency, and leadership development. These training programs are designed not only to meet global standards but also to address the specific needs of the Nigerian market.
A significant trend in recent years has been the focus on continuous professional development (CPD). Hotels are increasingly recognizing the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry and are investing in CPD for their staff.
Through CPD, employees are encouraged to pursue further education, participate in workshops, and engage in online courses that keep them updated with the latest industry trends and best practices.
Beyond in-house training, many Nigerian hotels now work with local universities and vocational institutions to provide specialized training programs. These programs are often tailored to address specific skill gaps within the industry.
For instance, hospitality courses offered by institutions like the Nigerian Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) are designed to provide students with practical skills that can be directly applied in the hotel industry.
Impact of Technology on Training and Development
The incorporation of technology into training and development has significantly changed the landscape. E-learning platforms, virtual reality simulations, and mobile apps are increasingly being used to deliver training content in a more flexible and engaging way.
For example, some Nigerian hotels are using virtual reality (VR) technology to train staff on handling complex customer service scenarios in a safe, simulated environment.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of online training methods, allowing hotels to continue training their staff despite restrictions on physical gatherings.
This shift to digital learning has made training more accessible and cost-effective, enabling hotels to reach a larger number of employees with minimal disruption to their daily operations.
Challenges in Training and Development
Despite these advances, the Nigerian hotel industry still faces several challenges in training and development. One of the most significant challenges is the high employee turnover rate.
The transient nature of hotel employment means that many employees leave their positions before fully benefiting from the training provided. This not only represents a loss of investment for the hotel but also perpetuates skill gaps within the industry.
Another challenge is the uneven distribution of training opportunities between urban and rural areas. While hotels in major cities like Lagos and Abuja have access to a wide range of training resources, those in more remote areas often struggle to offer their staff the same level of training.
This disparity can lead to inconsistencies in service quality across the country, ultimately affecting the overall perception of the Nigerian hospitality industry.
Additionally, there remains a heavy reliance on expatriates for senior management roles in many Nigerian hotels.
This reliance is often due to a perceived shortage of adequately trained local talent. However, this creates a cycle where the presence of expatriates limits the opportunities for local talent to develop, which in turn sustains the need for expatriates.
To conclude — the Nigerian hospitality sector has clearly seen significant growth over the past 20 years. This is because of the rising middle class, increasing urbanization, and growing interest in domestic tourism.
In today’s competitive environment, training and development in Nigerian hotels has moved beyond being mere formalities; they are now critical elements that influence guest satisfaction, employee retention, and overall business success.
So far, so good, they have done us well.
Shall we then continue ahead?
Your guess is as good as ours.