Builders’ institute targets young graduates, for capacity development

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has announced that it will commence an intensive capacity development and mentorship programme for students, probationers, and early-career professionals in the building profession.

The new President of the NIOB, Bldr. Daniel Abimbola Kolade, FNIOB stated this during his investiture ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja.

Kolade noted that the action was based on the fact that the future of their profession lies in the hands of the younger generation of builders.

Kolade, who also emphasised that his administration will invest massively in innovation and research, listed other areas of concentration, including entrepreneurial development, improving and updating professional regulation and ethics.

He added that the body will engage in advocacy programmes and influence policies within the institute.

The President, who also promised to strengthen collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and training institutions on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), skills acquisition, and competency certification.

He further explained that the Institute’s ongoing partnership with agencies such as the Nigerian Correctional Service on skills development will be expanded to create real pathways for empowerment and national reintegration.

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, advocated for policies that recognise, regulate, and reward professional competence as well as ethical standards in the building environment.

Mustapha, who called for collaboration in the built environment, especially between builders, architects, and engineers, also warned against professional encroachment.

“The problem of the building industry is that one person wants to do everything. An architect wants to be an engineer, while civil engineers would like to be an architect. One surveyor would like to do it all. That is not right”, he said.