Dr. Badaki Aliyu Ajayi, Ph.D., is a seasoned hospitality and tourism expert with over 30 years of industry leadership across Nigeria’s hospitality industry. A distinguished hotelier, consultant, and educator, Dr. Badaki has consistently demonstrated his expertise in hospitality operations, business development, workforce training, and strategic leadership.
His journey began with a National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management from the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Bayero University Kano, a Master’s degree in Recreation and Tourism from Ekiti State University, and a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Imo State University.
Dr. Badaki’s professional journey is marked by his transformation of multiple hotel properties nationwide through Blissy Hospitality Services Ltd., where he serves as Managing Director/CEO. From Royal Tropicana Hotels to Edgedrive Hotel, Nugget Hotels, and Kapital Klub & Apartments, etc, his touch has brought about remarkable operational turnarounds and revenue growth. His expertise spans recruitment, training, general hotel setup, operations management, and business consulting.
He was the Chairman, FCT chapter of HATMAN, the National President of HATMAN, and currently the Board of Trustees Chairman of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria ( HATMAN).
He later became the FTAN Vice President, FCT Zone; the 2nd Deputy President of FTAN, and currently, he is the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) .
His contributions to academia and professional mentoring include serving as an External Examiner to several polytechnics and delivering lectures and training across institutions like Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Afe Babalola University, Dorben Polytechnic, and Plateau State Polytechnic.
Dr. Badaki’s passion extends to community service, where he has empowered youth and enhanced local development in his hometown, Iyara, Ijumu, Kogi State through borehole projects, entrepreneurship training, and leadership roles within the Iyara Development Association.
His career reflects unwavering dedication to elevating standards in hospitality, mentoring the next generation, and advocating for professional excellence across Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He is happily married with children and resides in Abuja.
