Meet the DOS
Dr. Abolaji J. Kelani, DSc, MSc, FITPN, FOSHA, MTHC, is a renowned tourism consultant, visionary entrepreneur, and academic leader with over 17 years of experience in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Hailing from Sango-Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, he has become a driving force in the industry, leveraging his expertise in tourism management, corporate governance, and vocational training to advance Nigeria’s tourism landscape. He is globally recognized as a certified Tourism Specialist for Nigeria, Gambia, Dubai, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, the UK, and Australia. A highly accomplished scholar, Dr. Kelani holds a Doctor of Science (DSc.) in Tourism Management & Corporate Governance from European American University, alongside BSc. in Computer Science and MSc. in Information Technology from National Open University of Nigeria, Advance Diploma and MBA in Business Management from IBMI Berlin Germany. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management from National Institute for Hospitality & Tourism NIHOTOUR, National Diploma in Computer Science from Lagos State Polytechnic, with additional certifications in Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre ticketing and reservation systems. His strong academic and professional background underpins his exceptional contributions to tourism development, education, and industry transformation. Dr. Kelani is the CEO of Aerovessel Travels & Tours Ltd and Ollyrhymes Global Resources Ltd, as well as the Director of Studies for the Aerovessel Group of Schools, which provide training in travel, tourism, ICT, and business management with affiliation with ITF, ITPN, TVET, NBTE. Through his leadership, Aerovessel has trained thousands of professionals, creating pathways for employment and entrepreneurship, and reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria. His initiatives have expanded internationally with Aerovessel Global Services & Institute, Texas (USA), positioning the Aerovessel brand as an emerging global hub for tourism and vocational education. Widely celebrated for his impact, Dr. Kelani has received numerous honors, including Nigeria Tourism Promoter of the Year (2021), the National Award of Excellence in Travel Business (2022), and recognition among the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in Nigeria (2020). He currently serves as the Chairman of the Ogun State Chapter of the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Membership Secretary Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria FTAN. He is a Fellow of Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria ITPN and Occupation Safety & Health Association OSHA, with active memberships in ATHCON, NATOP, ATA, and NANTA. His enduring vision is to advance tourism education, foster sustainable industry growth, and nurture the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders in Nigeria and across the globe.
