Prof. Christopher Ajiboye Fapounda (R) with Prof. Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, DVC Administration, FUOYE
A Professor of Civil Engineering at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Christopher Ajiboye Fapounda, has outlined what he described as a sustainable, long-term solution to Nigeria’s recurring building collapses.
Delivering FUOYE’s 20th Inaugural Lecture, he argued that Nigeria must replicate the strict, collaboratively developed structural standards used in Europe.
Fapounda said developed countries eliminated building failures by adopting unified standards created by seasoned structural engineers. He noted that although Nigeria has equivalent institutions, harmonising them and producing an acceptable national standard remains difficult due to legal and institutional barriers. Even if such a draft emerges, he warned, legislative approval would take years.
He stressed that the British Standard currently in use must be rigorously enforced, with structural engineers ensuring full compliance to prevent future collapses.
The professor also highlighted his research on developing resilient concrete materials from agricultural waste such as sawdust, an innovation he said FUOYE’s environment naturally supports. He urged greater institutional backing for harvesting these materials.
Fapounda advocated stronger civil engineering curricula, referencing his Independent Data Assignment model designed to deepen structural literacy and strengthen professional competence. He further called for alignment of Nigeria’s civil engineering definition with global standards.
He closed with recommendations for enhanced support for FUOYE’s engineering faculty before being formally promoted to full professor by the university leadership.
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