The newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Daniel Kolade, has issued a compelling call to action for the next generation of construction professionals. He urged fresh graduates, students, and young builders to actively seek out mentorship and intensive capacity development to build a solid foundation for their careers.
A New Era of Empowerment for Builders
Speaking at his investiture ceremony held in Abuja on 17 November 2025, President Kolade outlined the core focus of his administration. He declared that empowering young builders through innovation, research, and professional growth would be a top priority. Kolade firmly stated that the future and integrity of the building profession depend entirely on the capacity and ethical grounding of its young practitioners.
"We will invest massively in innovation and research, concentrating on entrepreneurial development, updating professional regulation and ethics, and embarking on advocacy programmes that influence policies within the institute," Kolade affirmed. His vision includes a significant push to develop the technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills of newcomers to the field.
Strategic Partnerships and Expanded Initiatives
To translate this vision into reality, the NIOB plans to strengthen its collaboration with key institutions. Kolade revealed plans to work closely with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and other training bodies. This partnership will advance critical areas such as:
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Practical skills acquisition
- Competency certification for professionals
In a significant expansion of its social impact, the institute will also broaden its existing partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service. This initiative is designed to create genuine pathways for empowerment, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of individuals into society through skills development.
A Call for Professional Synergy and Ethical Standards
The event's Chairman, Boss Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commended the NIOB for its dedication to professional excellence. He echoed the need for policies that properly recognize, regulate, and reward competence and high ethical standards within the built environment.
Mustapha also delivered a strong warning against the detrimental effects of inter-professional rivalry and encroachment. "The problem of the building industry is that one person wants to do everything. An architect wants to be an engineer, while a civil engineer would like to be an architect. One surveyor wants to do it all, that is not right," he lamented. He stressed the critical importance of professionals respecting their disciplinary boundaries and upholding collaboration to ensure quality, safety, and sustainability in all construction projects.
This united front from leadership underscores a pivotal moment for Nigeria's construction sector, focusing on nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative, ethical, and skilled workforce for the future.
