NIBIFM Plans Facility Management Programme in Tertiary Institutions

The Nigerian Institution of Builders in Facilities Management (NIBIFM) said all arrangements had been finalized to commence teaching and learning of facilities management in line of building in universities and polytechnics in Nigeria.

The National Chairman, NIBIFM, Olufemi Akinsola, stated this at the maiden annual general meeting of the institution, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, adding that the institution apart from the practicing in the built environment had also extended its scope to academic institutions.

Akinsola hinted that all over the world, facilities management was at the front burner, ravaging the terrain of the built environment and building industry “like a wild fire in the forest.”

He explained that the reason for this is not unconnected with the rising profile of complex structures and smart buildings that require updated and multidisciplinary skills which could not be found in the precincts of one particular profession.

According to him “The euphoria of facilities management is not only catching up in the practice area, it is also extending its arm to the academia. Several universities are running FM programme, such as UNILAG and FUTO.

“However, no polytechnic in Nigeria has mounted FM programme at ND or HND levels. The NIBIFM is not only concerned about FM practice but also with its academic growth.”