UNILORIN Prof. Yusuf Lanre Shuaib-Babata Calls for Urgent Action on Building Collapses in Nigeria
Professor Yusuf Lanre Shuaib-Babata urges stricter regulations and accountability to combat the rising number of building collapses in Nigeria.
Mary Nwaeze 
Professor Yusuf Lanre Shuaib-Babata of the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Ilorin has called for urgent and stringent measures to address the rising incidence of building collapses in Nigeria.
In an interview with UNILORIN BULLETIN on Tuesday, Prof. Shuaib-Babata highlighted the alarming statistics that reveal at least 135 incidents of building collapse, resulting in 26 fatalities, over the past two years. He attributed these incidents primarily to human actions rather than natural causes.
Prof. Shuaib-Babata, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Engineers (NIMMME), emphasized that the majority of these collapses are due to the use of substandard materials and negligence by both regulators and project supervisors. He pointed out that the lack of accountability and punishment for those responsible has contributed to the persistence of these tragedies.
SUGGESTED: UNILORIN VC Urges Alumni to Promote Positive Image of University
The professor, who also serves as the National Auditor of the Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria (MSN), urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to take decisive action. He called for the enforcement of strict legal consequences for building owners, regulatory officials, and suppliers of inferior materials. Additionally, he stressed the importance of public education on the need for engaging certified professionals and ensuring the use of high-quality materials in construction.
Prof. Shuaib-Babata's appeal comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to grapple with the issue of building safety. His recommendations aim to foster a culture of accountability and ensure that such devastating incidents become a thing of the past.
For more information, contact:
SUGGESTED: UNILORIN VC Urges Alumni to Promote Positive Image of University
Registrar’s Office
University of Ilorin
P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
+234810-848-3222, +234807-200-0013
registrar@unilorin.edu.ng
talk2vcoffice@unilorin.edu.ng
