UNIZIK VC hosts NIOB delegation, reaffirms commitment to merit and in-house capacity development
A delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Anambra State Chapter, on Thursday June 18th 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, in his office.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Anambra State Chapter, Builder Ikenna Okpala, explained that the institute is a professional body for builders, backed by law through Decree 45 of 1989, later reviewed as Act Section B13 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. He described a builder as an academically trained specialist and a statutorily registered professional responsible for construction management.
Builder Okpala noted that the institute had maintained a long-standing relationship with Nnamdi Azikiwe University and expressed its commitment to strengthening the partnership under the current university administration.
Presenting a souvenir plaque to the Vice-Chancellor on behalf of the institute, the immediate past Chairman of the body, Builder Alex Chukwunwike, described the gesture as a token of recognition, respect, and partnership.
According to him, the university has contributed immensely to the institute’s programmes in Anambra State through its academic support, making it imperative for the institute to identify with the administration and its developmental initiatives.
“Our business as an institution is training. We have different cadres of professionals within the building environment, and we have always partnered with the university to provide facilities that support our training programmes,” he said.
Builder Chukwunwike appealed to the university management to address the challenges affecting some equipment in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences workshop, noting that restoring the facilities would enhance training opportunities for students and professionals.
He also requested the university’s sponsorship of the institute’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), adding that greater involvement of builders and other built-environment professionals in ongoing university projects would provide practical exposure for trainees.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Anyaehie, appreciated the delegation for the visit and the recognition accorded to the university. He, however, clarified some of the concerns raised by the institute regarding the engagement of in-house professionals in university projects.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that one of the first steps taken by his administration was the establishment of a “Direct Labour Committee” comprising professionals from various departments within the university to handle numerous projects initiated by the institution.
He further revealed that the university had registered UNIZIK Consultancy Limited, which would provide additional opportunities for university-based professionals to participate in developmental projects.
“No administration has engaged in-house professionals more than this one. The maiden road project, parking lot construction, production of academic gowns by the Department of Economics, chairs and desks by Vocational Education, solar projects by Electrical Engineering, meters, payment applications, taxi-calling applications and many other initiatives are all being handled by university personnel,” he stated.
Prof. Anyaehie emphasised that consultancy and contract awards in the university are based strictly on merit, competence and compliance with stipulated requirements.
“When it comes to consultancy, companies bid and are appraised accordingly. We operate on merit. Your documents must be complete and updated. The same principle applies to employment. I have nothing personal to gain here; my goal is to lay a solid foundation that will move the university forward,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the institute to develop practical proposals, particularly concerning the workshop equipment, assuring them of the university’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders who are committed to institutional development.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Kelvin Okolie, thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his clarifications and assurances, promising that necessary actions would be taken on the issues discussed.
Other members of the delegation included: Head of the Department of Building, Builder Dr. Dominic Obodo; the Secretary of the institute, Builder Chris Osegbo; and Builder Nwele Kingsley Obiora of the Ministry of Housing, Awka.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment by both parties to strengthen collaboration in professional training, infrastructure development, and capacity building within the building environment sector.