Experts Proffer Solutions To Building Collapse

The Material Science and Technology Society of Nigeria, MSN, has called for judicious use of experts in materials evaluation as practical steps towards solving perennial incidences of building failure and collapse in the country.

The National President of MSN, Prof. Baba Abdullahi Alafara made the call in Abuja during the 2023 Special Materials’ Lecture titled “Best Engineering Practices For Materials Selection In Nigeria’s Building Sector.

Prof. Abdullahi who is also the Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin said the lecture was organized to sensitize relevant agencies and units of government and NGOs on the need to ensure quality of materials appropriate for different building construction towards maintaining standard in the sector.

“Part of the unique obligation of a professional body of MSN status is to think for the nation and proffer practicable steps towards curtailing the recurring national challenge and this we are also doing with the lecture today” He explained.

The National President of MSN therefore advised all tiers of government and various private and corporate entities engaging in building construction to patronize and utilize outputs from relevant professional organizations like the MSN towards effective utilization of valuable research findings and available human resources in building projects and construction.

In a paper presentation, the National Vice President, Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Mrs Deborah Oni – Ojediran stressed the need for local content development in building construction in the country.

While expressing concern over incessant building collapse in the country, Mrs Oni -Ojediran called for appropriate sanction towards addressing the problem.

In a message, the Director General, Raw Materials and Development Council, RMDC, Prof. Hameed Ibrahim said the Council would work with the recommendations of experts at the lecture towards strengthening the building construction sector.

He emphasized the need to checkmate the activities of quacks in the sector to reduce the loss of lives and property as a result of building collapse in the country.

Other participants at the lecture advised structural and civil engineers as well as builders against acts detrimental to the profession to avoid sanctions.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji