The 3rd National Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and Dean, School of Environmental Studies, Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech), Bldr. (Dr.) Adesina Aladeloba, has clarified to the 2024/2025 graduating students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) that builders are not engineers.
Dr. Aladeloba made this remark while delivering a brief speech at the 5th Induction Ceremony into the Graduate Membership Cadre of NIOB, held at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Lecture Theatre, UNILAG, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
In his address titled “Destiny and Your Role”, he emphasized the importance of professional identity, urging graduates to embrace their calling as builders and remain true to the building profession. He described it as a misnomer for builders to be referred to as engineers, stressing that while architects and engineers design, builders construct and develop structures and facilities. He further noted that builders are self‑development professionals, distinct from designers, and that the profession demands responsibility, clarity of role, and meaningful contribution to society.
Advising the inductees, Dr. Aladeloba explained that destiny is measured in time and not determined by parents or neighbors. He described life as a gift, a business, and a journey. He encouraged graduates to run the race of life, win the prize, and mentor others so that future generations benefit from their path. He also urged them to seek mentorship, avoid the feeling of entitlement, and recognize that success depends on responsibility and action.
Following his speech, Dr. Aladeloba administered the oath of membership to fifty‑six (56) graduating students of the Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNILAG, inducting them as graduate members of NIOB on behalf of the National President, Honourable Bldr. Bimbo Kolade, FNIOB.
The ceremony also featured an induction lecture delivered by Bldr. Omolade Olugbade, MNIOB, QAA, Vice‑Chairman of NIOB Oyo State Chapter, on the theme “Building a Sustainable Future: Advancing Professional Practice through Digital Innovation in the Built Environment.” He highlighted the transformative role of technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Blockchain, Drone Technology, and digital monitoring tools. He stressed that sustainability in construction goes beyond green materials, encompassing waste reduction, cost optimization, safety, and long‑term value delivery. He advised graduates to embrace lifelong learning, master both fundamentals and digital tools, seek mentorship, uphold ethics, and remain committed to professional bodies like NIOB.
Earlier, the Vice‑Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. (Bldr.) Olumide Adenuga, charged the inductees to uphold the University’s flag wherever they go, noting that expectations are high given the rigorous training they have received. The Head of Department of Building, Prof. (Bldr.) Martins Dada expressed pride in the contributions of graduates to Nigeria’s skylines and commended NIOB for bringing the profession closer to students through early induction.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Chairman of NIOB Lagos Chapter, Bldr. Owolabi Rasheed FNIOB, represented by the Chapter’s Honorary Secretary and UNILAG alumna, Bldr. Eseroghene Odusola‑Stevenson, FNIOB; remarks from the President of the National Association of Building Students (NAOBS) UNILAG Chapter, Kehinde Kadiri; a speech by the Best Graduating Student, Ibrahim Olamibowale Oladega; vote of thanks by immediate past NAOBS President, Opeyemi Yaquob as well as presentation of merit awards to the keynote speaker, Bldr. Olugbade; Course Adviser, Dr. Fidelis Archi, and outstanding graduating students.
About NIOB
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) is the professional body for builders and those engaged in the science and practice of building management, construction, and maintenance in Nigeria.
Its origin traces back to the Builders’ Society, founded in London in 1834, which later became the Institute of Builders in 1884. In 1965, it was renamed the Institute of Building (IOB), and in 1980, following the grant of a Royal Charter, it became the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Nigerian members of the IOB who studied in the United Kingdom established the IOB Nigeria Centre, inaugurated on March 31, 1967 at the University of Lagos under the distinguished chairmanship of Sir Mobolaji Bank‑Anthony, KBE, FRSA, F. INST. D.. The Centre was first chaired by Mr. Simeon Oladiran Okikiolu, succeeded in 1968 by Mr. Fatai Isola Osikoya.
In 1969, the Nigeria Centre sought and was granted autonomy by IOB London, leading to the formal establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB). On November 5, 1970, NIOB was officially inaugurated at the University of Lagos, with Mr. Osikoya becoming the first President.
Author: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
Photographer: Samuel Dosumu
Photo Editor: Joshua Michael
