Prof. Kabiru Bala’s eight-year steward as CORBON chair remarkable, say Nigerian builders
Nigerian professional builders have paid homage to Prof. Kabiru Bala in recognition and celebration of the profound impact the distinguished academic had made in advancing the realms of education, construction, building, and professionalism.
The builders, led by the Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah, described Bala as a “shining star of the building profession in Nigeria”.
Bala, who is the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is a professional builder and Professor of Construction Management. He held sway as Chairman of CORBON from 2013 to 2021.
Bldr. Opaluwah, who was CORBON Vice-Chairman when Prof. Bala was the Council chair, stressed that CORBON under Bala’s tenure witnessed exemplary leadership, marked by unprecedented achievements that have left an indelible mark on the building profession, the Council and the construction industry.
“We are here in continuation of a legacy which you led as Chairman of Council (CORBON) to honour your remarkable contributions to the building profession, CORBON, Ahmadu Bello University, and the nation”, he said.
He further said that CORBON under his watch witnessed a period of remarkable growth and innovation, characterised by transformative initiatives that elevated the discourse and standards of professionalism within the building industry.
Opaluwah listed some of the giant strides made by Prof. Bala as CORBON helmsman that included the facilitation of the CORBON-N Power Programme, involving approximately 50,000 trainees and over 250 training providers.
They also included spearheading of the construction and furnishing of the Council’s wholly owned head office as well as furnishing of CORBON’s six zonal offices.
He disclosed that CORBON under Bala’s watch drafted “Crucial Council Policy documents” such as Reviewed Builders (Registration, etc) Act, and revised Health and Safety Manual.
CORBON under Bala’s stewardship, according to him, initiated the creation of the Labour Market Information System for the construction sector as well as established a licensing scheme for artisans under NSQF, leading to enhanced professionalism and accountability.
Others, according to him, included procurement of eight Toyota vehicles for the Council operations, launching of the Project Evaluation and Monitoring Unit in Abuja, engaging in robust stakeholder collaborations with international organisations, as well as enhancing collaborations with sister agencies in the built environment to promote synergy and cohesion within the industry.
Developing National Occupational Standards in seven building construction trades and pioneering the inauguration of the sector skills council construction were also part of the tremendous progress made under Prof. Bala tenure as CORBON chair, he further stated.
Bldr. Opaluwah, who stressed that CORBON would continue to strive for excellence and innovation in the building profession, also said that Prof. Bala’s legacy at CORBON would continue to inspire the Council, generations of builders, scholars, and professionals for years to come.
Receiving the delegation, Prof. Bala, expressed appreciation for the visit and acknowledgement of his little contributions to the growth and development of the building profession in Nigeria.
The delegation later presented a customized leather carpet to the Vice-Chancellor as a souvenir in appreciation of the role he played in the promotion of building profession in Nigeria.
The CORBON Chairman was in company of the Council Registrar, Bldr. Adetunji Adeniran; CORBON Member and Council Coordinator, Northwest, Bldr. Alhassan Marke; CORBON Member and Chairman, CORBON (NPower) Implementation Committee, Prof. Shehu Amadu Bustani; CORBON Member, Bldr. Kennedy Ukponirefe Aimiywhu; and CORBON Project Manager, Iwangshak Hirse.
Also on the entourage were Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Building, Kaduna State Chapter, Bldr. Ibrahim Munawwar; and Secretary, Bldr. Adamu Kabiru Difah.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Wednesday, 21st February, 2024
