By Angela Atabo
Engineering professionals and researchers have described the widespread adoption of forensic engineering practices as a critical tool for addressing building collapses, infrastructure failures, and construction-related challenges in Nigeria.
They said this on Thursday during the closing session of a three-day Training and Certification Workshop on Engineering Failure and Forensic Investigation for Licensed Engineering Practitioners in the Academia, Industry and Government Agencies.
The workshop was organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN).
Mr Oladipupo Imabogaje, Assistant Director and Head of Planning, Research and Statistics Department of COREN, said the workshop was designed to equip engineers with the knowledge and competence required to improve professional practice and reduce engineering failures across various sectors.
Imabogaje, who is also an engineer, said the programme addressed four critical areas: professional development , knowledge, skills, competency, and proficiency which are essential for effective engineering practice.
“The combination of facilitators and institutions involved in this training has been very rich.
“Participants have been exposed to valuable knowledge that will help them identify, investigate, and prevent failures in different engineering disciplines,” he said.
Imabogaje urged participants to transfer the knowledge acquired to their workplaces and professional circles as the ultimate goal of the programme was to build a network of trained forensic engineering professionals capable of contributing to safer infrastructure development.
He further encouraged engineers to pursue professional certification in forensic engineering investigation to enhance their capacity for project supervision and accountability.
Also speaking, Adeyemo Titilope, the Chief Executive Officer of Geocardinal Engineering Services Ltd., stressed that the success of programmes like this capacity building would largely depend on the willingness of government’s institutions and stakeholders to implement their recommendations.
“We have many experts in the country, but the challenge has always been implementation.
“Government must ensure that the resolutions and outcomes of programmes like this are utililsed effectively. If that is done, Nigeria will become a better place for all,” he said.
Titilope advised participants to continue pursuing professional certification and capacity development opportunities, noting that the knowledge gained would be useful both within and outside Nigeria.
Meanwhile some participants renewed commitment to promote forensic engineering practices as a means of improving safety standards, enhancing accountability in project delivery, and reducing the frequency of infrastructure failures in Nigeria.
One of the participants, an engineer, Zainab Ibrahim, said the programme was beneficial as it broadened her understanding of forensic engineering and reinforced the importance of professional ethics.
“This workshop enhanced my knowledge of forensic engineering practices and reminded me of the need to carry out professional responsibilities with integrity, competence, and adherence to best practices,” she said.
For Olumoh Sharafadeen, a civil engineer, forensic engineering remained one of the most effective approaches to understanding and preventing building collapses.
“Many structural failures occur because the actual causes are not properly investigated.
“Engineers are in the best position to analyse collapsed structures, determine both immediate and underlying causes, and recommend measures that will prevent future occurrences,” he explained.
Sharafadeen noted that increased awareness and training in forensic investigation would significantly contribute to efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of building collapse across the country.
Speaking on the legal and ethical considerations in forensic engineering investigations, legal practitioner and facilitator, Dr Hamed Adeyemi, emphasised the importance of understanding the legal framework guiding evidence collection and presentation.
Adeyemi explained that forensic engineering combines scientific principles with investigative procedures aimed at uncovering facts and establishing the causes of engineering failures.
“A forensic engineer must understand how to gather, preserve, and present evidence.
“Such evidence may ultimately be subjected to scrutiny before a court of competent jurisdiction, making adherence to legal procedures extremely important,” he said.
Adeyemi noted that relevant laws, including the Constitution and the Evidence Act, Penal Code and Criminal Code provide guidance for conducting investigations and ensuring that findings are legally admissible.
He also stressed the need for engineers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, competence, and due diligence in the discharge of their duties.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
