0
0
By Azeezat Hambali
A Professor of Structural and Materials Engineering at Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Professor Samson Olalekan Odeyemi, has urged the Federal Government to introduce policies compelling construction projects across Nigeria to incorporate a minimum percentage of recycled and sustainable materials.
Professor Odeyemi made the call on Wednesday while delivering the 22nd Inaugural Lecture of the university, titled From Rubble to Resilience: Gathering the Fragments for a New Structural Paradigm.
He said such a policy would usher in a new era of building construction, with structures designed to be stronger, more resilient and environmentally sustainable.
The Professor identified agricultural waste products, including rice husk ash, corn cob ash, sugarcane bagasse ash and palm oil fuel ash, as valuable resources that can be converted into high-performance engineering materials.
He explained that although these materials are not primary binders, they possess pozzolanic properties that react during cement hydration to form additional compounds that enhance the strength and durability of concrete.
According to him, Nigeria must reduce its heavy dependence on conventional cement by embracing a circular economy that promotes the use of locally sourced agricultural waste in the construction industry.
He added that supportive legislation and industry policies would encourage the adoption of such materials, reduce environmental pollution and lower construction costs.
Professor Odeyemi noted that several studies have shown that concrete produced with agricultural waste-derived materials can meet and even surpass conventional engineering standards while providing a more cost-effective and sustainable option for infrastructure development.
Highlighting the practical application of the innovation, he pointed to the interlocking paving stones at the entrance of the KWASU Faculty of Engineering, which were produced using rice husk ash and locally sourced fibres.
He said the project demonstrates that the research has successfully moved beyond the laboratory into real-life application.
The inaugural lecturer expressed concern that Nigeria’s construction industry is often driven by market forces rather than strict standards.
He stressed the need to reduce dependence on imported construction materials and address the environmental challenges associated with carbon-intensive cement production.
To curb the persistent incidence of building collapse caused by substandard and unregulated construction practices, Professor Odeyemi urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other relevant regulatory agencies to ensure that only certified building materials are available in the market.
He maintained that the adoption of sustainable construction materials derived from agricultural waste would improve the durability and resilience of infrastructure, promote environmental conservation, stimulate local industries and advance Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.
Editing: Abdullah Ahmed
