Engineering students from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, and Yaba College of Technology recently participated in an industrial tour of the ongoing reconstruction of Old Ojo Road in Agboju, organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter. The visit, led by APWEN's Assistant Technical Secretary, Omolola Ogungbile, aimed to expose students to modern road construction technologies, particularly reinforced concrete pavements. These pavements are designed to last 35 to 40 years, a significant improvement over the 20 to 25 years typical of conventional asphalt roads. Ogungbile described the tour as an eye-opener, allowing students to observe live construction processes, understand technical terms, and see how modern equipment boosts efficiency.
The Chief Resident Engineer of the project, Bakare Adeniyi, confirmed the project began in April 2025 and is 60 per cent complete after one year. He highlighted that participants engaged actively, asking relevant questions and showing strong interest in the engineering profession. Students were shown structural design elements, load-transfer mechanisms, and the importance of proper drainage in road longevity. Adeniyi stressed that if drainage channels remain unblocked and maintenance is consistent, the road could last at least four decades. He warned against dumping waste or pouring harmful substances on the surface. Blessing Esabu, a 200-level Computer Engineering student at the University of Lagos, said the experience deepened her commitment to innovation in engineering.
Omolola Ogungbile's initiative with APWEN demonstrates how targeted exposure can reshape engineering education in Nigeria. By taking students into active construction sites, she bridges a long-standing gap between classroom theory and real-world application. This kind of engagement suggests that professional bodies, not just institutions, can drive practical learning. For Nigerian students, it means more opportunities to learn durable, modern techniques that could transform infrastructure if applied consistently in their future work.
