Professor Samson Duna: Visionary Leader and Accomplished Engineer
Professor Samson Duna is a distinguished Nigerian engineer and academic, currently serving as the Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI). With a robust background in civil and structural engineering, he holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, and a PhD in Structural Engineering from ATBU, all with distinction. His professional credentials include membership and fellowships in key engineering bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Engineering Management, Nigerian Society of Engineers, and Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineering, alongside registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
Professionally, Prof. Duna’s career spans over three decades, beginning as a pupil engineer and advancing through academia as a lecturer and professor at ATBU and the University of Jos. He joined NBRRI in research and leadership roles before being appointed DG/CEO in December 2020 under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and has since been reappointed under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, reflecting confidence in his leadership.
As DG/CEO of NBRRI, Prof. Duna has been recognized for exceptional leadership qualities including kindness, integrity, courage, and team-building. Under his stewardship, the institute has made significant strides in advancing building and road research in Nigeria, contributing to national development. His leadership earned him the prestigious Exceptional Leadership Award from the Association of Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in 2022, underscoring his impact in public service and institutional excellence.
Prof. Duna’s vision for NBRRI aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic development goals, focusing on innovation in building materials and construction technologies to enhance infrastructure quality and sustainability. He emphasizes collaboration, staff empowerment, and integrity as core values driving the institute forward. He once stated upon his appointment, “I promised to take NBRRI to a higher level than I met it and to work with the cooperation of all staff of the Institute,” highlighting his commitment to collective progress and excellence.
Among his guiding principles is a belief in fearless leadership and the pursuit of innovation without succumbing to stagnation, echoing the ethos of facing challenges head-on and avoiding complacency. This is reflected in his leadership style described as courageous yet humble, respectful, and inclusive. His approach embodies a blend of visionary thinking and practical execution, aimed at positioning NBRRI as a pivotal player in Nigeria’s infrastructural advancement.
In summary, Professor Samson Duna stands out as a visionary leader and accomplished engineer whose personal integrity, professional expertise, and dedication to national development continue to elevate the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute as a beacon of research excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s construction sector.