Yemisi Shyllon Museum Honored as Nigeria’s Top Art Gallery and Museum at 22nd Akwaaba Travel Market
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University has been named among Nigeria’s Top 100 Travel and Tourism Icons, securing the prestigious Travellers Award 2025/2026 for Top Art Galleries and Museums in Nigeria.
The award, organized by ATQ News and Travellers Magazine, was officially presented to YSMA during the opening ceremony of the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market on September 13, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. Determined by a public vote, the honor celebrates key organizations driving growth and excellence across Nigeria’s travel, tourism, arts, and cultural sectors.
The accolade highlights YSMA’s ongoing evolution beyond preserving and displaying art, reflecting its growing role as a hub for learning, community connection, and cultural exchange.
Dr. Jess Castellote, Director of YSMA, emphasized that the recognition speaks directly to the institution’s core mission.
“We are pleased to receive this recognition because it acknowledges something central to our vision: making Nigerian art and cultural heritage accessible, meaningful, and relevant to diverse audiences,” Castellote said. “A museum is not only a place to preserve objects; it is a space to encounter ideas, learn, and develop a deeper appreciation of our heritage.”
Situated within Pan-Atlantic University, YSMA serves both an academic and public purpose—offering workshops, research opportunities, and educational programs that connect the campus with the broader community.
Prof. Enase Okonedo, Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, noted that the award affirms the university’s broader vision of education outside traditional classrooms.
“It affirms our belief that a university can contribute to society not only through academic excellence, but also through culture, creativity, and public engagement,” Prof. Okonedo stated. “YSMA has become a vital part of our contribution to Nigeria’s cultural ecosystem.”
Presented annually since 1996, the Travellers Awards honor leaders and institutions across hospitality, aviation, and tourism. Ikechi Uko, Founder of the Akwaaba African Travel Market and Publisher of Travellers Magazine, underscored the crucial link between cultural landmarks and tourism appeal.
“Culture is at the heart of the tourism experience,” Uko said. “Museums and galleries preserve the stories and creativity that give destinations their identity. YSMA’s recognition reflects the essential contribution such institutions make to developing tourism in Nigeria.”
Holding a collection of over 1,000 works by landmark modern and contemporary Nigerian artists, YSMA continues to build international partnerships and expand public engagement. This latest recognition reinforces its status as a premier destination for cultural tourism in Lagos and a dynamic model for university-led public heritage initiatives.