The Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Prof Philip Gbenro Oguntunde, has called on government at all levels to prioritise competence and professionalism in appointing individuals to key and strategic positions, warning that political patronage often undermines effective governance and institutional performance.
He spoke while receiving the executive members of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Ondo State Chapter, on a courtesy visit to his office, stressing that placing the right professionals in appropriate roles is fundamental to national development.
Oguntunde observed that the persistent practice of appointing individuals who lack the requisite expertise to critical positions frequently results in administrative failures, poor policy execution and, in some cases, catastrophic outcomes in the management of public institutions and projects.
According to him, the nation’s elite must collectively work towards building a functional system capable of producing strong, transparent and sustainable institutions that can effectively serve the needs of society.
Noting the vital role of professional bodies in national development, the Vice-Chancellor urged them to adopt strategic approaches to protecting their professions. He advised that rather than merely condemning quacks, professional organisations should engage them constructively and, where possible, convert their talents into productive contributions within regulated frameworks.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Ondo State Chapter, Builder Omonagbe Oladele, disclosed that Nigeria’s housing deficit is estimated at about 14.9 million units, a situation he said underscores the urgent need to strengthen the practice of the building profession in the country.
He explained that the building profession is statutorily responsible for Building Production Management, a critical component in ensuring structural integrity and preventing building failures.
Oladele noted that the courtesy visit formed part of activities marking the annual Builders’ Day, a platform dedicated to advocacy against the persistent cases of building collapse in Nigeria.
According to him, this year’s celebration is themed “Advocacy and Policy Influence Towards Sustainable Reforms for a Resilient Built Environment.”
He further appealed to the management of Elizade University to consider the establishment of a Department of Building in the institution, noting that such a programme would contribute significantly to the training of skilled professionals needed to strengthen the nation’s construction industry and promote safer built environments.
The visit, he added, also provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the professional body and the university in advancing capacity building and professional development within Nigeria’s built environment sector.
