FUNAAB Expert Urges Federal Government to Revive Ajaokuta Steel Complex at 109th Inaugural Lecture

Prof. Olayide Adetunji, a leading specialist in Corrosion and Materials Engineering from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, has called on the Federal Government to urgently resuscitate the long-dormant Ajaokuta Steel Complex, describing it as a strategic driver of industrial growth, foreign exchange conservation, and national development.

Delivering the University’s 109th Inaugural Lecture on 25 February 2025, Prof. Adetunji highlighted that reviving the steel complex would enhance local steel production, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity. He stressed that a functional steel industry is vital to infrastructure development, transportation, energy systems, and national security.

In his lecture titled “Combating the Hidden Menace of Metallic Materials: Panacea for Industrial Growth and Environmental Sustainability,” Prof. Adetunji identified corrosion as a major yet often overlooked economic threat. He described it as a “silent destroyer” capable of causing structural failures, industrial accidents, chemical leaks, and environmental disasters if left unmanaged.

He explained that corrosion affects critical sectors including infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and energy, warning that neglecting corrosion management could lead to building and bridge collapses, equipment breakdowns, pipeline failures, and fire outbreaks, all with serious implications for public safety and environmental sustainability.

To combat these challenges, Prof. Adetunji recommended improved engineering designs, appropriate material selection, protective coatings, cathodic protection systems, and the use of corrosion inhibitors and smart monitoring technologies. He specifically advised that filling stations and fuel depots adopt sacrificial anode cathodic protection systems to prevent underground tank leakages and environmental contamination. He also urged the government, through the Council for the Regulation of Engineering Practice in Nigeria, to make corrosion resistance a mandatory requirement in public procurement and infrastructure design.

Prof. Adetunji further called for the integration of Corrosion Engineering into university curricula to equip graduates with practical industry skills. He encouraged manufacturing firms and tertiary institutions to establish corrosion monitoring and control units to reduce maintenance costs and extend infrastructure lifespan. Strengthening academia-industry collaboration through research funding, he noted, would stimulate industrial growth and deepen local content development.

Additionally, he proposed that April 24 be officially recognised as Corrosion Awareness Day in Nigeria, aligning with the World Corrosion Organisation’s initiative to promote public awareness and preventive best practices.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, commended Prof. Adetunji for his distinguished academic career and contributions to Corrosion Engineering, advanced materials, machinery systems, energy materials, and nanotechnology—fields critical to Nigeria’s industrial transformation and sustainable development.