The Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa, on Thursday inducted 14 of its second graduates into the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB).
The ceremony which took place at the university campus, Wilberforce Island has as its theme: “Constructing Intelligence: Shaping Sustainable Futures with Technology”.
In his address, the Head of the Department of Building, Dr Christopher Belonwu, described the occasion as a day of fulfilment, reflection and profound joy for the institution.
He noted that the university was committed to raising competent ethical and industry-ready building professionals who would contribute meaningfully to national development and global best practices in the building environment.
“As a head of department, witnessing the induction of our graduates into the graduate cadre of the Nigerian Institute of Building gives me joy.
“The department of building officially commenced the 2019/2020 academic session with a clear vision.
“Like every worthwhile venture, the journey was not without challenges. We started with modest facilities, high expectations and an unshakable belief in what the department can become. Today, that belief has been validated.
“This second induction ceremony marks the fruition of years of hard work, resilience and determination by our students who dared to dream, our lecturers who labored tirelessly to impart knowledge and character, and the university management.
“To our second pioneer graduates and those who have followed, you are not just a product of this department; you are its ambassadors, proof of concept and living legacy.
“It signifies that you have met the academic and ethical thresholds required to begin your professional journey. With this honor comes responsibility,” he said.
The head of department urged the graduands to uphold the standard of the profession, practice with integrity and continuously develop themselves in knowledge and skill.
Belonwu, urged them not to see the day as the end of their journey, but the beginning of a new era in their lives.
He also commended their parents who made sacrifices for them to achieve their desire as builders.
Similarly in his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Allen Agih, who was represented by Prof. Tombra Kingdom, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, congratulated the new inductees and urged them to be good ambassadors of the institution.
He also admonished them to be of good behavior and to project a good image of the institution as well as to shun any act that would bring the university’s name to bad repute.
In the same vein, Prof. Sylvester Ebigbagha, the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences of the institution, described the occasion as important.
He said that this was in view of the inductees being the second set of builders the institution was producing.
In his remarks, the President, NIOB, Abimbola Kolade commended NDU for the training of the students and the knowledge they gained as graduates.
Kolade, who was represented by Mr Ahmed Ahmed, former Chairman, NIOB Bayelsa chapter encouraged the inductees to excel in the building profession, innovate, research, and upskill to progress.
Speaking on behalf of other inductees, Mr Michael Effiong, commended the NIOB for finding them worthy to be inducted into the institute and pledged that they would be of good behavior.(NAN).
