The Nigerian Institute of Building Calls on Young Builders to Prioritise Skills Development and Mentorship
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has urged recent graduates, students, and early-career professionals in the construction sector to embrace continuous skill development and mentorship to strengthen their professional foundation.
Speaking during his investiture ceremony in Abuja, the newly inaugurated President of NIOB, Daniel Kolade, outlined his vision for the Institute, emphasising innovation, research, and professional capacity-building as key priorities. Kolade stressed that the future of the building profession depends on equipping young practitioners with ethical values, technical competence, and leadership skills.
Focus on Entrepreneurship and Modern Construction Practices
Kolade highlighted that NIOB will implement targeted programmes to enhance entrepreneurial capabilities and broaden understanding of contemporary construction methodologies. “We plan major investments in innovation and research, with emphasis on entrepreneurship, regulatory updates, ethics, and advocacy initiatives that shape policy within the Institute,” he stated.
He further announced plans to strengthen collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and other training institutions to expand skills acquisition, competency certification, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for practitioners.
Additionally, NIOB intends to grow its ongoing partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service to support skill development programmes aimed at rehabilitation, empowerment, and national reintegration.
Industry Collaboration and Professional Integrity
The investiture ceremony was chaired by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who commended NIOB for promoting professional excellence in the construction sector. Mustapha emphasised the need for stronger policies that reward competence and ethical standards, warning against increasing professional rivalry.
“The problem in the building industry is that everyone wants to do everything. Architects want to function as engineers, engineers want to double as architects, and surveyors want to take on all roles. This is wrong,” he said. Mustapha called on professionals to respect disciplinary boundaries, collaborate effectively, and recognise each role’s critical contribution to safety, quality, and sustainability in the built environment.
Looking Ahead
Under Kolade’s leadership, NIOB is expected to pursue a structured approach to capacity-building, research, and innovation, providing a foundation for the next generation of builders to navigate a rapidly evolving industry. The Institute’s initiatives aim to foster ethical, competent, and entrepreneurial professionals capable of delivering high-quality, sustainable construction outcomes across Nigeria.
