IWA Publisher Joins Industry Leaders at Historic Launch of Radisson Academy Live in Lagos, Nigeria.
On Monday, April 14, 2025, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, hosted the landmark launch of Radisson Academy Live—Nigeria’s first initiative under the global Radisson Hotel Group’s acclaimed workforce development program. As the publisher of Inside Watch Africa (IWA), I joined tourism journalists, hotel owners, Radisson executives, and industry stakeholders at an exclusive cocktail reception to celebrate this milestone in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
Sandra Kneubuhler, Managing Director of Radisson Hotel Group, spearheaded the launch, emphasizing the company’s commitment to nurturing talent. “Our people are our greatest asset. We grow talent, and talent grows us,” she declared, underscoring the Academy’s role in fostering professional growth.
Key Highlights from the Launch:
– Global Impact, Local Focus: Since its inception six years ago, the Radisson Academy has seen over 517,000 courses completed worldwide, with Nigeria alone logging 80,000+ learning hours in 2024. The platform offers 2,500+ courses, blending online and in-person modules to cultivate dynamic learning experiences.
– Diversity as Strength: Operating in 100+ countries with 146 nationalities represented, Radisson’s ethos of inclusivity shines in Nigeria. Training completions have surged tenfold in five years, with employees averaging 14.7 courses each—a testament to robust engagement.
– Future Leadership: Through Project Accelerate, launched in 2022, Nigerian team members are being groomed for General Manager roles, reflecting the Academy’s success in internal succession planning. Sandra applauded Nigeria’s “learning culture,” noting a 4.8/5 satisfaction rate among employees. Quoting Nelson Mandela, she urged attendees to harness education as “the most powerful weapon to change the world,” inspiring a ripple effect of knowledge-sharing.
Gratitude and Partnerships:The event honoured Radisson’s Nigerian partners, including Asiwaju Tajudeen Owoyemi (Chairman, Avalon Intercontinental Nig Ltd) and Moyo Ogunseinde (Executive Director, Anchorage Leisure Limited), whose collaboration made the Academy’s launch possible. Sandra also recognized trainers Biram, Joseph, Luc, and Ali for their pivotal roles in designing the program.
The evening concluded with tokens of appreciation for trainers and a collective toast to Radisson Academy Live’s mission: empowering Nigeria’s hospitality workforce to drive global standards.
Inside Watch Africa commends Radisson Hotel Group for this transformative investment in Africa’s talent—a bold step toward redefining excellence in the industry.