Welcome Address by the Ag. Head of Civil Engineering Department, University of Ilorin, Dr. S.A.Raji, on the

Occasion of the 2nd Departmental Lecture at the University Auditorium on Wednesday, November 18, 2009

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

ProtocolsThe Vice-ChancellorDeputy Vice-Chancellor(Academic) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services)The Registrar All Directors Deans of various FacultiesHead of Departments Distinguished PersonalitiesGentlemen of the PressGreat UniloritesGreat Engineering StudentsGreat Civil Engineering StudentsLadies & Gentlemen

Introduction

Right from the beginning of the programme, I have noticed many familiar faces and sincere friends who attended our 1st Departmental lecture held in February 25 this year and the 1st Civil Engineering conference held between 26th and 28th August, 2009. We are profoundly grateful to you all.

For the benefit of those who are honouring our invitation for the first time, I need to say very briefly, that the departmental lectures are designed to discuss issues of interest in civil engineering as they affect education and the nation at large.

Permit me to make few remarks on the theme of this 2nd departmental lecture titled “Challenges in Civil Engineering Construction in Nigeria: Case Study of Universities, Public and Corporate Agencies”

The guest lecturer for today’s lecture, whose citation would be given very soon, is an alumni of this great University and he is amongst the first set of graduates produced by the Civil Engineering Department. He has been involved in practice for over 22 years. He is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with students and the University.

Code of Ethics and Professional conduct

One of the challenges facing Civil engineering as a profession is the problem of establishing a uniform and cohesive code of ethics and professional conduct amongst the various cadres of engineering profession. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct articulates the ideals to which members aspire as well as the behaviors that are mandatory in our profession.

Professionalism is a value that requires all persons, involve on a project, to maintain their knowledge at a reasonably prudent and diligent professional level similar to that of competent persons assigned to such duties.

Situation where Engineers, Technicians and Artisans working on the same project use different codes of ethics and professional conducts would not augur well for the profession. We truly believe that we can advance our profession, both individually and collectively, by maintaining unity in diversity through embracing a uniform Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Today’s lecture would address some of these challenges, especially, as it relates to Universities, Public and corporate agencies.

Tricycle to the Rescue

Let me seize this opportunity to commend the administration for the replacement of “Okada” with the well-thought and appropriate “Better by far” tricycles.

Although this Commercial motorcycles business assists greatly in helping many people to “keep body and soul” together, it has equally caused untimely deaths, and led to a permanent disfigurement of many people. It has equally brought grievous harm to innocent Nigerians, some of who are still on their sick beds in various hospitals across the country.

The quality of a community is directly related to the quality of its transportation system. The dehumanizing nature of “Okada”, where more than one, mix sexes are carried in a humiliating manner does not portray the University as an International center of learning which we want to showcase to the world. Tricycle is more decent and safer to use

Civil Engineering is carrying out a study on this mode of transportation, under the leadership of an experience transportation Engineer, Dr. Y.A. Abdulkareem of this department, to assist in the use of this means of transportation. The report would be submitted to administration very soon for necessary action.

International Conference in July, 2010

Let me seize this opportunity to announce the forthcoming International Conference on Sustainable Urban Water Supply in Developing Countries. The main objective of this conference is to explore and proffer solutions to all issues of sustenance of water supply through integrative approach across disciplines, professions, and sectors.

In this respect, stakeholders in the urban water supply development and management would be invited across the globe to proffer a holistic approach to water sustainability. We look forward to your moral and financial supports to make this unique conference a huge success.

Appreciation

We want to thank those who assisted in making the 1st Civil Engineering conference held from 26th to 28th August, 2009 a reality. Special mention should be made of the role played by the administration under the dynamic leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ishaq O. Oloyede.

We also acknowledge the financial support of Messrs Ciwat Engineers, Yolas Consultants, BAL Engineering, Shanisi Partnership and Index Engineering. We hope we shall receive equal support towards the forthcoming International Conference.

Once again, I welcome you all to this 2nd Civil Engineering Departmental lecture.

Thank you for coming!