The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has called on recent graduates, students, and early-career professionals in the construction sector to embrace mentorship and continuous skill development to strengthen their foundation in the industry.

Speaking during his investiture ceremony in Abuja, the newly inaugurated President of NIOB, Daniel Kolade, said his tenure will prioritise innovation, research, and professional capacity-building to prepare the next generation of builders for a rapidly evolving construction landscape.

Kolade noted that the future of the profession depends on how well young practitioners are equipped with ethical values, technical competence, and leadership abilities.

He added that the Institute will roll out targeted programmes to improve their entrepreneurial capability and broaden their understanding of modern construction practices.

“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 said.

Kolade also revealed that NIOB will deepen collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and training institutions to expand skills acquisition, competency certification, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

He further disclosed plans to grow the Institute’s ongoing partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service to support skill development programmes that promote rehabilitation, empowerment, and national reintegration.

Chairman of the event and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, commended NIOB for promoting professional excellence. He called for stronger policies that reward competence and ethical standards across the construction sector.

Mustapha warned against increasing professional rivalry in the industry, stressing that overlapping roles contribute to poor project delivery and building failures. “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.

He urged professionals to respect boundaries, collaborate, and recognise that each discipline plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability in the built environment.

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He made this known while receiving a delegation from the University of Uyo Centre for Skills Acquisition and Rural Development, led by its Director, Ambassador Ernest Essien, in Abuja.

Ata said the Ministry is ready to partner with the Centre to train and equip Nigerians with practical skills that will help bridge the country’s labour gap.

“We will continue to collaborate with your Centre to identify areas of common interest,” he said. “The Ministry will also factor your needs into our 2026 budget to ensure necessary support for this project.”

The Minister commended the Centre for its comprehensive skills acquisition programs, which he noted align with NASAP’s objectives of producing skilled artisans to strengthen the labour market.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, described the partnership as a step toward achieving the Ministry’s vision of providing mass and affordable housing and supporting infrastructure development nationwide.

Earlier, Ambassador Ernest Essien said the visit aimed to seek collaboration with the Ministry to enhance skill acquisition and job creation, particularly in Akwa Ibom State. He praised the Ministry for training Nigerians in various trades and helping them compete effectively in the job market.

“The Ministry’s housing and infrastructure goals require a skilled and reliable workforce,” he said.

“We plan to contribute by producing certified tertiary-level artisan graduates ready to support national projects.”

Essien also commended the Ministry’s plan to train, certify, and provide jobs for 10,000 construction artisans annually over the next three years.

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