The Construction Open Day held from 24 to 26 August 2021, with five (5) public secondary schools in attendance. The purpose of the Open Day was to familiarize the students with the activities on active construction sites.
DAY 1
The Construction Holiday Open Day commenced on Tuesday 24 August 2021 with female students of Eko Akete Grammar School, Lagos Island, visiting Craneburg Construction Company project site at Yaba, Lagos State, where a bridge was being constructed. A Health, Safety and Environment Officer oriented the students on safety on the site. The students were shown various professionals work on an active construction site with the different equipment used in constructing a bridge. The total number of students present were thirteen (13) and the excursion lasted approximately one hour thirty minutes.
Students of Eko Akete Grammar School, Lagos Island with the Site Manager of Craneburg Construction Company, Engr. George, the Site HSE Officer, Mr. Alex and the Project Officer, Ms. Adetutu Adewole.
Students of Eko Akete Grammar School, Lagos Island with the Site Manager of Craneburg Construction Company, Engr. George and the Project Officer, Ms. Adetutu Adewole.
DAY 2
On Wednesday 25 August 2021, female students of Girls Grammar School and King Ado High School, Lagos Island, visited BCL Construction Company project site at Victoria Island, Lagos State, where a residential apartment building was being constructed. The Health, Safety and Environment Officers on site oriented the students on the importance of safety measures on the construction site. A project manager took the students round the site and showed them different equipment used to achieve different parts of the building. The students were given a brief lecture on the importance of joining the construction industry. They were also informed that the construction industry is not limited to engineers alone, as professionals in different fields can work in the construction industry. The total number of students present were twenty-one (21) and the excursion lasted approximately 2 hours thirty minutes.
Students of Girls Grammar School and King Ado High School, Lagos Island at BCL Construction site.
Students of Girls Grammar School and King Ado High School, Lagos Island with Engr. Femi, the Project Manager of BCL Construction site.
(L-R): Muyiwa Bolarinwa, the Executive Director Inter-Bau Foundation; a staff BCL Construction; Mr. Damola, the Project Manager BCL Construction; Mr. Femi, the Project Manager BCL Construction; Miss Diana, the HSE Officer; Ms. Ijeoma, a staff BCL Construction and Sarah Eugene, the Project Management Intern Inter-Bau Foundation.
DAY 3
On Thursday 26 August 2021, female students of Girls Senior School, Lagos Island, visited Black Diamond Engineering Limited Plc., Ikoyi, Lagos State, where a residential apartment building was being constructed. The Site Manager oriented the students on safety and had a brief lecture with them on the process of contracts and different types of construction materials. The total number of students in attendance were eighteen (18) and the excursion lasted approximately 2 hours.
Female students of Girls Senior Secondary Grammar School, Lagos Island, visited Fountain Construction Company (FCC) project site in Marina, Lagos State, where a shoreline extension was being constructed. The Site Manager gave the students safety instructions and orientation and the students were given the chance to try out the heavy equipment on the site. The total number of students in attendance were twelve (12) and the excursion lasted approximately 2 hours.
Students of Girls Senior School, Lagos Island, Ms. Doris Mbadiwe, Board Member Inter-Bau Foundation and Engr. Yemi, the Site Manager of Black Diamond Engineering Ltd. Plc.
Students of Girls Senior School, Lagos Island and Engr. Yemi, the Site Manager of Black Diamond Engineering Limited on the helipad of the residential apartment building.
Students of Girls Senior Secondary Grammar School, Lagos State, where the construction of the shoreline extension at Fountain Construction Company (FCC) was being constructed.
QUESTIONS ASKED BY THE STUDENTS
Q1: Is the role of an Architect and a Land Surveyor interchangeable?
A1: Most people think they are interchangeable because of the similarities their jobs but they are not. They actually work hand in hand. The Architect plans and designs the building while the Land Surveyor interprets the designs and make necessary adjustments on the land to bring the design to life.
Q2: What does it take to be an Engineer?
A2: To be an engineer, you have to become a trainee engineer first or an intern. After this phase, you have to take some professional courses before becoming a full-fledged engineer.
Q3: Can I work in the construction industry if I do not read engineering in the university?
A3: Yes, you can. You can be in a different field altogether and still work in the construction industry. For instance, as a lawyer in the construction industry, you can be a Property Lawyer, Company Secretary, Company Lawyer or Real Estate Lawyer. As a journalist in the construction industry, you can be the Public Relations Officer of the company or you could create a journal on construction and journalism.