The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Florence Obi, has expressed her support for the establishment of the Department of Building in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
Prof. Obi made this known during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Cross River Chapter to her office.
The move is aimed at increasing the number of well-trained professional builders in the country.
While congratulating the National President-elect, Builder Alderton Ewa, for his emergence at the just concluded poll of the Institute, Prof. Obi stated that there is nothing wrong with having a new program, especially one that will create job opportunities for its graduates.
However, she emphasized the need for a competent workforce, which is a critical criterion for the accreditation of any program.
She urged the Institute to work with the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences in developing a curriculum required for running a smooth program.
Acknowledging the importance of buildings in human life and existence, Prof. Obi emphasized the need for knowledgeable and well-grounded individuals to handle the affairs of the department.
She encouraged the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) to advocate for the use of professionals in all building construction with federal and state governments.
In his remark, Builder Alderton Ewa thanked the Vice Chancellor for her warm welcome and hospitality.
He stated that his dream as a Director of Works at the University of Calabar for over twelve years was the establishment of the Building Department.
He promised to commit to the actualization of the department.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Cross River Chapter, Builder Ekpenyong Ekeng Ekpenyong, appreciated Prof. Obi for her academic excellence and drive evident in the enormous infrastructural development across the university campus.
He noted that the Building Department is essential because Nigeria needs a lot of qualified technical manpower in the area of building and construction for infrastructural development.
The establishment of the Building Department will undoubtedly boost the construction industry’s workforce and contribute to reducing unemployment rates.