The Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Prof. Adisa Bello has described professional integrity as the practice of maintaining ethical behaviour, strong adherence to moral and ethical principles and values such as honesty, honour, dependability and trustworthiness.
He stated this in Abuja while speaking on the topic ‘’Character and Integrity in Professional Practice’’ at the retirement/thanksgiving celebration dinner in honour of Engr David Abu Ozigi, the Retired Director of SMEDAN.
The University Don outlined the importance of integrity in the work place to be beneficial to both the individual and the organisation, stating that the individual gains respect, trust and confidence of his peers and bosses, thus integrity in the workplace ultimately guarantees overall success.
He further stated that some of the characteristics of a man of character and integrity includes valuing other people’s time, giving credit to where credit is due. They are always honest and never take advantage of others.
They give most people the benefit of doubt, they believe in others and trust others.
Prof. Adisa Bello however, described the celebrant as an epitome of Character and Integrity. He went down memory to 1985 when he had his first contact with Engr. Ozigi who was his lecturer at ATBU Bauchi where he taught Strength of Materials. He described all the former students of ATBU Bauchi that were taught by Engr, Ozigi as being very fortunate.
Engr. Ozigi took his time even outside his scheduled lecture hours to ensure that everyone understood the courses he taught, stating that Engr. Ozigi was however very strict with compliance to instructions, punctuality and thoroughness.
‘’ Engr. Ozigi has impacted positively on many people’s lives and he maintains his composure in virtually everywhere he is’’.
He further described Engr. Ozigi as a gentle man a lot of youth still look up to and need to emulate his character and integrity.
In his remarks the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Tasiu Gidari Sa’ad-Wudil,FNSE who stated that the celebrant was a lecturer at ATBU Bauchi in the 80’s (when he was a student) and was noted for hard work and strictness, added that he was therefore not surprised that his children are doing excellently well in their academics.
He further stated that as the Chief Examiner for the recruitment of new members into NSE Maitama chapter, he was very delighted to find out that the celebrant is a member of the chapter.” Maitama chapter has maintained a very good record in the recruitment of members without compromising experience and performance required for membership.’’ Engr. Ozigi as an examiner contributed immensely to the enviable record of the branch in that regard.
Engr. Wudil concluded by praying that may God Almighty reward the celebrant abundantly for the positive virtues he has impacted on the lives of some of his former students.
Pastor Joseph Seyi Malomo, Chaplain of the Aso Chapel who gave Charge on the title “God does not believe in RETIREMENT but in Completion of Life Call” drawing his
stated that the completion of one service may be called your retirement by the law and policy governing the career, but it is not retirement from the “holy calling” in the eyes of God.
He noted that “God’s promise to Engr Ozigi and everyone here at this retirement service is that once He has more assignment for you, your retirement from the current service is not the conclusion”.
The occasion which was chaired by Gen Chris Abutu Garuba (Rtd) had other dignitaries in attendance.
