🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Diageo launches World Class Nigeria 2026 bartending competition to boost premium spirits market
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Diageo has launched the Nigerian edition of its World Class 2026 bartending competition, aiming to enhance premium spirits consumption and professionalize the country’s hospitality sector. The global drinks company unveiled World Class Nigeria 2026 in Lagos, inviting entries for a nationwide search for top bartending talent. This competition, now in its 17th year globally and active in over 60 countries, seeks to identify bartenders who can compete internationally while elevating local industry skills. The Nigerian winner will represent the country at the global finals in Scotland, United Kingdom, later this year. This initiative comes as multinational beverage companies intensify efforts to capture Nigeria’s premium drinks market, despite economic pressures. Demand for curated nightlife experiences and premium hospitality offerings continues to grow, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Ujunwa Chukwumah, Commercial Director for West and Central Africa at Diageo, stated that the program is part of the company’s broader strategy to support talent development and strengthen the hospitality ecosystem by identifying emerging talent, improving professional capability, and exposing Nigerian bartenders to international standards. The launch event, held in Lagos, attracted hospitality operators, mixologists, and beverage consultants, highlighting the growing commercial interest in Nigeria’s nightlife and entertainment economy. Executives and consultants noted that Nigeria
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The Federal Government announced that the National Examinations Council NECO will begin computer-based examinations this year. This initiative aims to combat examination malpractice and modernize Nigeria's assessment system. The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this disclosure during NECO's 25th-anniversary celebration in Abuja, highlighting it as a crucial step towards enhancing the credibility of public examinations and elevating Nigeria's global education standards. The new model will enable real-time monitoring of candidates, detection of suspicious activities, and reduction of examination fraud. Dr Alausa emphasized NECO's role in ensuring integrity and accountability in education, noting its evolution into a reliable examination body over 25 years. He added that NECO has improved examination security, enhanced scoring reliability, and expanded access to examinations in underserved communities through technological innovations. The Minister stressed the importance of educational assessments focusing on modern skills like critical thinking and digital literacy. Prof. Dantani Wushishi, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, stated that the council now conducts examinations in eight countries, signifying international acceptance of its certificates. He mentioned NECO's reforms, including digital verification systems and e-certificates, and infrastructure expansion projects. The introduction of computer-based examinations is seen as a significant shift to imp
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