By Mariam Adeyemi
On February 9-12, students pursing Hotel & Restaurant Management course participated in the Future Leaders Challenge grand finale that took place in Dubai at Port Rashid on the Queen Elizabeth II ship. This followed their first-place win in the Future Leaders Challenge, East Africa, earning them the opportunity to represent the region and showcase their exceptional talent and leadership on the international stage.
The journey began in Kenya, where universities offering Hotel and restaurant Management across East Africa were challenged to come up with solutions to seasonality in the industry. It was a tough task as seasonality affects hotel occupancy, revenue, and even jobs, but USIU-Africa students, through brainstorming, researching, debating, and guidance from their professors, came up with creative and practical solutions that won them first place. “When we were announced as the winners in Kenya, it was surreal. We were proud, excited, and a little nervous for what came next; the grand finale in Dubai,” said Adeyemi Mariam, a Bachelor of Science in Hotel & Restaurant Management student.
Participating in the Future Leaders Challenge was one of the most incredible experiences the team has ever had. From the very beginning, it exemplified the “Education to Take You Places” that USIU-Africa prides itself on. During the grand finale, the students were placed in groups alongside peers from other universities, with each group guided by a lecturer from a different institution. The workshops were not only intense but also eye-opening, with the job market session being the highlight of the event. Meeting hotel and restaurant managers and leaders from some of the top hospitality companies in Dubai provided the students with valuable opportunities in the industry. It was a platform of learning, self-discovery, and mentorship, as the Future Leaders’ challenge focuses on community over competition.
Commenting on her experience, Mariam expressed that boarding the historic Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) ship docked at Port Rashid was a moment that she will forever treasure. She noted that walking onto the ship, seeing its legendary decks, and learning about its history was breathtaking. It wasn’t just a venue; it was a living piece of history. “Presenting our ideas there, surrounded by the elegance of the QE2 and the sparkling Dubai skyline, made all our hard work feel meaningful and magical. We laughed, cheered, and supported each other every step of the way, and we’ll never forget the feeling of standing there as a team, knowing we’d made it this far,” she said.
The students also explored Emirati culture and food at a cultural center, which added another layer of learning and fun to the program. The Future Leaders Challenge was more than a competition; it was teamwork, growth, exposure, and a powerful reminder that indeed, USIU-Africa education will take you places
