By Tosin Adesile
The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), in a bid for comprehensive engineering education towards applicable technological advancement in the built industry, has collaborated with the Lagos State University (LASU).
Speaking during a recent meeting between the two bodies at the Conference Hall of LASU, Ojo Campus, the General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul disclosed that to enhance the materials test processes in averting building disasters within the Ojo – Badagry axis, there is a need to erect a Materials Test edifice within the Ojo Campus of the Institution, adding that it will also create an opportunity for more learning experiences of undergraduates in the built sector.
She said, “The proposed centre will facilitate practical training for Engineering students in stimulating them to engage with real materials and testing processes as hands-on experience to develop skills needed in the Construction and Engineering sector”.
“By providing reliable testing services, the Centre, which will be a cocoon of research and development, will amplify the quality and safety of construction materials used in projects for quality assurance, she added.
While reiterating the impact of the initiative for economic development, Engr. Abdul stated that the industrial collaboration will augment knowledge exchange between academia and the construction industry for best practices, emphasising the shared commitment of both institutions in setting the stage for future development that could have lasting impacts on the infrastructure of Lagos State and beyond.
The General Manager further stressed that the innovative training programme will offer both students and professionals in the built industry a continuous capacity-building update at par with International best practices.
On her part, the Vice Chancellor Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello, noted that the laudable initiative will enhance the experimental digital aspect of Engineering towards uplifting the standard of Education.
Bello, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration and a Professor of Physics, Prof. Adenike Boyo said, “This synergy will also boost materials test for undergraduates in identifying experimental and digital aspect which conducts research, teaches and renders community services in ensuring that buildings are durable across Lagos State”.
The forum was attended by icons of developmental education within the institution as well as Heads of Departments and Units of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency.