Ahmadu Bello University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the joint development and delivery of MBA Hajj Operations Management (MBA-HOM) degree.
A statement from the public affairs directorate office of the VC said the MOU is through ABU Distance Learning Centre and NAHCON Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN).
It was signed at a brief ceremony at Hajj House in Abuja today, Friday, 31st July, 2026.
The purpose is primarily to establish a framework for collaboration in the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of hajj operations and management.
The scope of the partnership includes joint curriculum development and periodic review as well as delivery of specialised hajj and umrah courses.
It also entails professional seminars and executive education, internship and field attachment, research and innovation, as well as industry engagement and international collaboration.
According to the partnership, ABU will through its Distance Learning Centre exercise overall academic responsibility for the programme.
It is also the responsibility of the university to obtain and maintain all academic approvals and accreditation.
ABU will admit qualified candidates in accordance with university regulations and provide academic staff for management and related courses.
In addition, ABU will conduct examinations, moderation, and approve results, as well as award the MBA Hajj Operations Management degree.
ABU, in the MOU, is expected to provide academic administration and learner support, besides ensuring compliance with the university quality assurance standards.
On its own part, NAHCON will, through the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, provide, among others, technical leadership on hajj and umrah operations.
It will be responsible for nominating qualified practitioners as adjunct lecturers and resource persons, subject to ABU requirements.
The commission will be expected to facilitate practical training and field visits as well as assist in identifying and facilitating internship placements within Nigeria and internationally.
Both parties, according to the MOU, recognise the importance of preserving and disseminating research outputs arising from the programme.
They also agreed that nothing in the MOU shall prejudice the ownership of intellectual property or authorship rights vested in the students and the university.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, signed the MOU on behalf of ABU, while NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, signed for the commission.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Advancement, Research, and Innovation, Prof Sanusi Aliyu Rafindadi, as well as Registrar, Rabiu Samaila, attended the MOU signing ceremony.
Others present at the brief event included Director, Distance Learning Centre, Prof M B Mu’azu; and Director, CBN Centre for Economics and Finance, Prof Auwal Haruna.
They also included Director, Public Affairs Directorate, Auwalu Umar; Assistant Director, Advancement, Dr Ahmed Zakariyya; and Principal Technical Officer (Photography), Tajuddeen Kamaluddeen Usman.
Equally, the Rector, Hajj Institute of Nigeria, Prof Muhammad Nasir Maiturare, and a good number of NAHCON management staff witnessed the historic event.
