The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Hajj Operations Management (MBA Hajj Operations Management). The agreement was signed on Friday, 31 July 2026, at the NAHCON Headquarters in Abuja.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf and the Secretary to the Commission, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Ali, signed on behalf of the Commission. The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Adamu Ahmed and the Registrar, Malam Rabiu Samaila, signed on behalf of the University.
In his remarks, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf described the partnership as a significant milestone in the professionalisation of Hajj and Umrah in Nigeria. He observed that Hajj operations have become increasingly complex and therefore required competent trained professionals with specialised knowledge, practical skills and a sound understanding of the evolving pilgrimage industry. He added that the new programme would combine rigorous academic instruction with practical field experience to improve planning, co-ordination and service delivery for pilgrims.
The Vice-Chancellor of ABU stated that the programme was a culmination of nearly a decade of sustained discussions and collaboration between the two institutions. He explained that it would integrate high-quality academic training with practical industry experience to equip professionals with the knowledge and competencies required to meet the evolving demands of Hajj and Umrah administration.
The Vice-Chancellor led a high-level delegation from Ahmadu Bello University comprising Professor Mohammed Bashir Mu’azu, Director of the ABU Distance Learning Centre; Malam Rabiu Samaila, Registrar; Professor Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Advancement, Research and Innovation); Professor Auwalu Haruna, Director of the CBN Centre for Economics and Finance; and other senior academic and administrative officers.
The NAHCON delegation, led by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, included the Secretary to the Commission, Directors, the Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN), Professor Nasiru Maiturare, and other senior management staff.
The programme is a joint initiative of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria and the ABU Distance Learning Centre. It will be open to officials of NAHCON, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Commissions, licensed Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators, professionals in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, religious scholars, entrepreneurs, and graduates seeking careers in pilgrimage management in Nigeria and across the world.
NAHCON believes that this pioneering programme will strengthen professional standards, enhance the quality of services provided to pilgrims and position Nigeria as a global centre of excellence in Hajj education, training and research. The Commission therefore encourages suitably qualified Nigerians and other interested applicants to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Further details regarding admission requirements, application procedures and the commencement date will be announced by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in due course.
