International Institute of Tourism & Hospitality, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

Tertiary Institution Heads Attend NDU Workshop on Procurement Reforms in Bayelsa

The Rector of the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Prof. Apuega R. Arikawei, joined other heads of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State on Tuesday, 16th June 2026, at a one-day workshop organised by the Niger Delta University Business School, NDU.
The workshop, themed “Re-engineering the Procurement System in Tertiary Institutions in Bayelsa State for Efficient Service Delivery,” held at the NDU Business School, Isaac Boro Road, Okaka Junction, Yenagoa.
According to the Host and Dean of the NDU Business School Prof (Mrs) Miebi Ugwuzor, the workshop was designed for procurement officers, bursary staff, directors of works and physical planning, administrators, and other stakeholders in the state’s tertiary institutions. The goal according to her was to equip participants with strategies for transparency, accountability, and value-for-money in public spending.
In his opening remarks the Vice Chancellor of the Niger Delta University and Chief Host Prof Allen Agih welcome participants and emphasized the need for officers of tertiary institutions to comply with Procurement principles as a critical pillar of institutional efficiency.
The lead speaker of the workshop Engr Nelson Ojouboh who is the Head of training of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) Abuja examined current challenges and provided practical tools for re-engineering the system to deliver better services,” in the administration of higher institutions.
The initiative aligned with ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and service delivery in Bayelsa’s education sector.
The workshop attracted Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provost and participants from all the higher institutions both the state owned and federal institutions.

From Pepper Soup to Puff-Puff: IITH Students Showcase Culinary Talent in Exams

ND1 students of the Hospitality Management Technology department at the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, (IITH) Yenagoa, on Wednesday 17th June, 2026 presented their first semester examination food practicals.
The students displayed a three-course menu that highlighted their training in food preparation and presentation.
First Course: Fresh fish pepper soup and goat meat pepper soup
Main Course: Braised rice served with chicken curry sauce, coconut rice, and Chinese fried rice served with chicken fajita sauce
Third Course/Dessert: Milky puff-puff served with pink lady drink, and cupcakes served with chapman.
The practical session was aimed at testing the students’ competence in menu planning, cooking techniques, plating, and service delivery — key skills for the hospitality industry.
Lecturers and guests present commended the ND1 class for the excellent job, noting the creativity, taste, and professional presentation displayed across the dishes.
The exercise reflected the Institute’s commitment to producing skilled, industry-ready graduates for Bayelsa’s growing tourism and hospitality sector.

IITH CELEBRATES HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR DOUYE DIRI, ON HIS 67TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY.

Your Excellency, Sir, Our Institute joins your numerous friends and other well-meaning Bayelsans to wish you good health and divine protection as you continue to pilot the affairs of our dear State.

As we celebrate the blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Rector, on behalf of the Management, Staff and Students, extends warm greetings to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.

May this sacred season bring peace, joy, divine blessings, and renewed hope to every home. May your sacrifices be accepted and your hearts be filled with love, unity, and gratitude.

Eid Mubarak! 🌙✨

23/05/2026

IITH Rector Prof. Arikawei R. Apuega Celebrates with Bayelsa Polytechnic at Maiden Combined Convocation Ceremony

The Rector of the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (IITH), Yenagoa, Professor Apuega R. Arikawei, joins other heads of institutions, dignitaries, and well-wishers at the Maiden Combined Convocation Ceremony of Bayelsa Polytechnic, Aleibiri, in celebration of the institution’s academic milestone.

During the occasion, Prof. Arikawei delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the management staff and student, congratulating the Rector of the polytechnic Dr. Wisdom Clinton Soreh, management and graduating students for their achievements. He commended the institution for its commitment to academic excellence and skill development, while encouraging the graduates to remain focused and uphold the values of hard work and professionalism.

The Rector further felicitates with the Executive Governor, Sen. Douye Diri who is the visitor to the polytechnic, and the entire Bayelsa Polytechnic community on the successful hosting of the historic convocation ceremony, describing it as a remarkable step toward educational growth and development in Bayelsa State.

*IITH Holds Sensitization on Asset Declaration, Rector Urges Staff for Compliance*

The Rector of the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Prof. Apuega Arikawei, has called on all staff of the international institute of Tourism and Hospitality to fully comply with the ongoing asset declaration process organized by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

In his opening remarks at the sensitization exercise, Prof. Arikawei welcomed the delegation from the Bureau and urged staff to engage actively, ask necessary questions, and ensure accurate completion of the forms.

Speaking on behalf of the State Director, Mr. Jonathan Asigo, team lead Mr. Johnson Dinini said asset declaration is a mandatory constitutional requirement for all public officers. He noted that the exercise, conducted every four years, applies to staff across local, state, and federal government.

“The new asset declaration form contains some differences from the previous version. That is why we are here to guide staff and ensure the forms are filled correctly without errors,” Dinini said.

Waibowei Tarikebi, the desk officer in charge of the institute, reassured staff that the Bureau’s primary goal is not to witch-hunt anyone but to ensure adherence to established guidelines.

“The Bureau is here to protect staff. Failure to declare assets can lead to forfeiture, so we encourage everyone to take this exercise seriously and utilize the support provided by the team,” Tarikebi added.

The sensitization session formed part of the institute’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and full compliance with federal regulations. A question and answer session was a key highlight of the exercise.

EDTF Boss Makes Surprise Visit to the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Yenagoa

The Executive Secretary of the Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF), Professor Ebimieowei Etebu, has paid an unscheduled visit to the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (IITH), Yenagoa.

During the visit, Professor Apuega Arikawei, the Institute Rector and Management, conducted the EDTF delegation on a tour of the Institute’s facilities, including the bakery and fashion studio. He thanked the Board for its support so far and urged continued partnership to strengthen the Institute’s development.

The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of copies of the book “When The Tide Turns: Reflections of Bayelsa’s Historic Odyssey” by Engr. Numoipre E.F. Wills.

The EDTF plays a key role in funding and supporting educational development projects across Bayelsa State, and the visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts to assess institutions and identify areas for further intervention.

ASUP Bayelsa Tourism Institute Chapter Concludes Two-Day Research Capacity Workshop

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (IITH Chapter), has successfully concluded a two-day capacity building workshop aimed at improving the research and supervisory skills of academic staff.
The workshop focused on four key areas: Project Supervision, Data Analysis, Result Interpretation, and Scholarly Publishing.
The Rector of the Institute and Chief Host, Professor Apuega Arikawei, in his opening remarks highlighted the Institute’s recent achievements, including the launch of an international conference last year and the establishment of a journal now recognized across several higher institutions in Nigeria. He stressed that the workshop should produce a blueprint for uniform standards and guidelines in project writing and supervision to prevent inconsistencies in research supervision.
In his welcome address, Comrade Akoloh Humphrey, ASUP IITH Chapter Chairman, said the workshop was designed to bridge the gap between poor project coping and proper project writing and supervision. The resource persons who presented papers includes
Professor K.E. Owede on “Developing Uniform Standards in Project Writing and Supervision in the Polytechnic Setting for the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality.” The paper of
Dr. Newstyle Doutimiareye centred on “Modern Research Skills: AI Tools for Data Analysis, Interpretation and Report Presentation,” introducing participants to current digital tools for academic work.
Professor F.G. Paulley spoke on “Developing Competence in Paper Writing, Article and Academic Publishing for Global Recognition.” While, Mr. Odeke Dominion Okalizibe presented on “Smart Research: Harnessing Data Tools for Data Analysis, Interpretation, Report Preparation and Presentation.”
The two-day programme equipped participants with practical knowledge and modern tools to improve the quality of research, supervision, and academic publishing within the polytechnic system.
The Institute reaffirmed its commitment to building the capacity of its academic staff and promoting a culture of excellence in research and scholarship.

Today, we celebrate the dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment of every member of our workforce who continues to drive the growth and excellence of our institution. On this special occasion of Workers’ Day, the Rector on behalf of the Management, honour your invaluable contributions and the vital role you play in building a stronger, more impactful institution. Your hard work remains the foundation of our success and the inspiration behind our progress. Happy Workers’ Day!

The Management, Staff, and Students of the International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality warmly welcome the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to Bayelsa State.

We are honoured by your visit to commission key developmental projects, including the Gas Turbine for Independent Electricity, the New Bayelsa City, and other strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure and improving the socio-economic well-being of the people. These landmark projects represent significant steps toward sustainable development, industrial growth, and enhanced opportunities for education, business, and investment in the state.

Your presence underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting sub-national development and fostering inclusive progress across the country. We are confident that these projects will further stimulate economic activities and contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of Bayelsa State.

Our dear President, we join our Executive Governor, Senator Douye Diri and other well-meaning Bayesians to wish you a successful and impactful visit.
Welcome to Bayelsa State, Mr. President.

Prof. Apuega R. Arikawei
Rector