“My POST-GRADUATE EXPERIENCE”

REPORT PRESENTED TO THE

NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS

BY

OLALEYE Kunle Joseph

M.Eng. (Hons.) CIVIL ENGINEERING

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

REGISTRATION AS A CORPORATE MEMBER OF THE NIGERIAN
SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS

APRIL, 2020

i
 CERTIFICATE OF SUBMISSION
This is to certify that I, OLALEYE Kunle Joseph have written this report myself and it is a
true account of my training and working experience.

………………………………………………………….…… ...…………………………………………………………………..
Signature of candidate and date Signature of Senior Engineer and date

………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………….
Name of Candidate Name of Senior Engineer

ii
 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to Almighty God for his guidance, love and mercies.

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My utmost gratitude indeed goes to God almighty, the wonderful creator of all existence,
the giver of my life for his guidance and protection, grace, mercies and favours towards me.
Without him this mission would have been a mere dream unaccomplished.
I must express my profound appreciation to my beloved wife, Mrs. Adebola Olubunmi
Olaleye, for her support and counsel towards my aspiration of becoming an engineer. To
my siblings, Matthew Bunmi, Mercy Joseph and Olaleye Esther, I thank you for your love
and understanding. To my parent Mr and Mrs. Samuel O. Olaleye I say a very big thank
you for your undying love and prayers to make me what I am today. To my friends,
Godwin Aibe, Fola Aibinuola, Afeez Kakashi, Sadiq Abubakar, Yusuf Babatunde, Gabriel
Ogunkunbi, amongst all others i am constrained to mention, thank you for your
inspirations.
I am also of great indebtedness to my mentors in the Engineering profession, Engr. (Prof.)
B. F. Sule (FNSE), Engr (Prof) T.C. Ogwueleka, Engr (Dr) M.T. Audu and Engr (Dr) D.N.
Mbaezue for their continued encouragements and motivation. May God bless you all.

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CHAPTER ONE

1.0 SECONDARY EDUCATION (SCHOOLS ATTENDED WITH DATE)

1.1 HIGHER EDUCATION (SCHOOLS ATTENDANCE WITH DATE)

1.1.1 Thesis / Final Year Projects

1.1.2 Conferences and other Engagements

1.1.3 Publications

1.2 NYSC (PLACE OF PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT WITH DATE)

1.3 IN-SERVICE TRAINING: POSTGRADUATE (COURSE AND INSTITUTE

WITH DATES)

1.3.1 University of Ilorin, M.Eng. (Civil Engineering) (2015-2019)

1.4 Proficiency Skills & Abilities

1.5 Membership of Professional Organizations

1.6 Service to Relevant Public Bodies

1.7 Innovations and Inventions

1.8 Names and Contact of Referees

CHAPTER TWO: PROFESSIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE

2.0 PROFESSIONAL/WORK EXPERIENCE (10 GOOD MIX)
2.1 WORK EXPERIENCE 1: (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING: WRITE YOUR TITLED
EXPERIENCE)
2.2 WORK EXPERIENCE AT FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ADMINISTRATION

2.2.1 Proposed Construction of Drainage for Cottage Hospital along Jeremiah Useni Road,

Kutunku, Gwagwalada Abuja.

2.2.2 Health and Human Services Secretariat

2.2.3 Statement of Project Objective

2.2.4 Project Duration

2.2.5 Position Held

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2.2.6 Estimated Project Cost (If Accessible)
2.2.7 Description of the Experience
2.3 Post Graduate Research Experience at University of Ilorin, Nov 2015 – Sep 2019
2.4 Post-Graduation experience as a Lecturer at University of Abuja

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 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report presents a detailed description of my postgraduate experience in Civil

Engineering from 2014 till date in tandem with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)

statutory requirements for election into the corporate membership and subsequent

registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

I hold a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering (which is my highest

qualification) from the University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. As part of the requirements in

completion of my education, I had worked in several organizations as a trainee engineer,

engineering assistant, assistant design and project engineer in Civil Engineering projects.

Experiences gained over the past few years are precious and irreplaceable, and the

significance of knowledgeable contributions by senior colleagues cannot be over

emphasized. In view of the excellent working experience as presented in this report, my

aspiration is to carry on in the engineering profession by acquiring Engineering knowledge,

ability and skills, and also conveying same to younger colleagues and providing sustainable

solutions to clients, and humanity in general. I will do my best towards the up-lifting of the

status, codes and practice of Engineering in Nigeria.

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

OVERVIEW

Engineering field is dynamic and invention comes with the acquisition of practical skills

and industry based-knowledge from time to time. It is mandatory to all intending members

at corporate level to meet the statutory requirement by the Nigerian Society of Engineers

(NSE) that, any person intending to become part of the professional body must have

attained a minimum of four years post-graduation cognizant Engineering experience and

must have graduated from accredited university by Council for Regulation of Engineering

in Nigeria (COREN).

In adherence to the aforementioned statutory requirements, this technical report is written to

outline my pre-graduation and post-graduation work experience in Civil/Structural

Engineering.

BIO-DATA AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

I was born into the family of Mr. S.O. OLALEYE and Mrs. Janet B. OLALEYE on the 2nd

Day of June, 1988 in Lagos Mainland General Hospital, Lagos State, Nigeria. I had my

primary school education at Jolatsen nursery and primary school, Gwagwalada, Abuja,

Nigeria, where I finished my primary education in the year 1999. I then advanced to

Federal Government College Kwali, Abuja for my junior secondary school. I had my senior

secondary school education between the year 2003 and 2006 at Sheikh Hamdan Model

Science Secondary School. I sat for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and

obtained my Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate (WASSCE).

In 2006, I got admitted into University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria to study Civil Engineering

under the Faculty of Engineering for my first degree. This in the end led to the award of a

second class upper division (2:1) Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.) Honours Degree in

Civil Engineering in the year 2014. In 2015 after the completion of my one year mandatory
1
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), I then proceeded for my Master of Engineering

degree in Civil Engineering (Water Resources and Environmental Engineering) between

2015 and 2019 at University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

BIO DATA SUMMARY

Name: OLALEYE K. JOSEPH

Date and place of birth: 2nd June 1988, Lagos Mainland, Lagos State.

Marital status: Married

Nationality: Nigerian

Permanent Home Address: House 5 Adams Street opposite L.E.A Primary

School Dagiri, Gwagwalada-Abuja. Nigeria

Phone number: 07055952896

Email: josepholaleye123@gmail.com

1.0 SECONDARY EDUCATION

2003-2006 Sheikh Hamdan Model Sci. Sec. School, Gwagwalada-Abuja.

Senior School Leaving Certificate.

1.1 HIGHER EDUCATION

2015-2019 University of Ilorin, M.Eng. (Civil Engineering)

Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering

2006-2014 University of Abuja, B. Eng. Hons. (Civil Engineering)

Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Engineering [Second Class honours

(Upper Division)]

1.1.1 Thesis / Final Year Projects

September, 2017 Master of Engineering Project

Use of Hydrological method for Environmental Flow Assessment

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 in Asa River, Ilorin Nigeria.

April, 2014 Bachelor of Engineering Project

Assessment of the Bacteriological and Physicochemical

characteristics of Shallow wells and boreholes in Gwagwalada Area

Council.

1.1.2 Conferences and other Engagements

July, 2020 NSE 3 – days Mandatory Continuing Professional Education

(MPCE)

Workshop for prospective corporate members.

Certificate of Attendance

Dec. 2017 7th National Water Conference held at Grand Central Hotel No.1

Bompai road Kano, Kano State Nigeria, Dec 12th-14th Dec. 2017.

Certificate of Attendance

1.1.3 Publications

Articles in peer-reviewed journals

1. Olaleye, Joseph. (2018). “Use of Computer Aided Program for the estimation of

Integrity Score and Ecological Status of Rivers.” Available at

www.researchgate.net/publication/322421150_Use_of_Computer_aided_program_for

_the_estimation_of_Integrity_Score_and_Ecological_Status_of_Rivers.

2. Raji, S.A; Olaleye K.J; Adebisi M.O; Nwadike D.N. (2017), “Computer Aided Design

of a Conventional Activated Sludge”, International Journal of Scientific &

Technology Research, Vol 6, Issue 07, July 2017. ISSN 2277-861.

3. Abolarin, J.S., Rahmon, R.O., Ogunkunbi, G.O., and Olaleye, K.J. (2017),

“Performance of a Coconut Fibre reinforced Polyster Polymer Concrete”, USEP:

Journal of Research Information in Civil Engineering, Vol.14, No.2, 2017.

3
Book of Abstract/Conference proceedings

1. Olaleye K.J and Sule B.F. (2017). “The Use of Computer Aided Program for

Estimation of Integrity Score and Ecological Status of Rivers”, Proceeding of 2017

7th National Water Conference held at Grand Central Hotel No.1 Bompai road Kano,

Kano State Nigeria, Dec 12th-14th Dec. 2017.

2. Sule B.F, Dr. Moroof K. L and Olaleye K.J. (2017). “Environmental Flow Assessment

and Enforcement in Nigeria”, Presented at the National Council Water Resources

Meeting held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, Ondo State

Nigeria, Aug. 14th -17th, 2017.

1.2 NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORP

2014-2015 Federal Capital Territory Administration, Area 11 Garki Abuja

1.3 IN-SERVICE TRAINING

1.3.1 2015-2019 University of Ilorin, M.Eng. (Civil Engineering)

Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering

1.4 PROFICIENCY SKILLS & ABILITIES

1. Logical reasoning and analytical skills.

2. Information Technology/Computer literate.

3. Practical and innovative.

4. Resourceful, dedicated and determined.

5. High flexibility and versatile.

6. Self-motivated and active team player.

1.5 MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

1. Nigerian Society of Engineers, Student Member

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2. American Society of Civil Engineers, Student member

3. Environmental and Water Resources Institute

1.6 SERVICE TO RELEVANT PUBLIC BODIES

1. Assistant Presiding Officer, Independent National Electoral Commission 2015

Presidential Election.

1.7 INNOVATIONS/INVENTIONS

1. Developed Application for the design of Conventional Activated Sludge System.

2. Developed Application for Estimating Integrity Score and the Present Ecological

Status of Rivers.

3. Developed Application to calculate the pavement thickness of an Airport.

1.8 NAMES AND CONTACTS OF REFEREES

Referees will be made available on request.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2.1 Industrial Training at Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mabushi

Abuja (June 2010 – Dec, 2010)

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPERIENCE GAINED

1. Inspection/evaluation of infrastructures within the Federal Capital Territory.

2. Administrative duties.

3. Learnt the use of AUTOCAD

4. Setting Out of a Site.

2.2 Post Graduate Work Experience, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

November, 2014 to October, 2015.

I undergone my one year mandatory NYSC in Abuja. My experience during the NYSC

period was more of Civil Engineering works and implementing community development

based projects. I was deployed to Federal Capital Territory Administration, Area 11 Garki

Abuja. I was deployed internally to the Health and Human Services Secretariat Works

Department of F.C.T.A where I met with seasoned engineers of the ministry, however they

had lost their Civil Engineer in that department at that time. While in the ministry, I worked

as a site supervisor to the cottage hospital construction project in Gwagwalada Area

Council. My responsibilities included visitation to the project site for supervision which

included both building and drainage construction work. I also reported to my supervisor of

day to day activities on the site.

I belonged to Information Technology Community Development Service (CDS) club.

Service (CDS) club. Where I served as a member and was very active. I learnt a lot about

information technology and also went to selected schools within the F.C.T to teach

computer studies.

6
 RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Inspection/evaluation of health infrastructures within the Federal Capital Territory.

2. Supervision of Cottage Hospital construction in Kutunku, Gwagwalada Area Council.

3. Construction of drainage channels for Gwagwalada Cottage Hospital along Jeremiah Useni

Road, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

4. Design and Drafting of two floor Semi-Detached residential building for MR. Balogun

using AUTOCAD.

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Table 2.1: Statement of Experience and Responsibility at a Glance

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PROJECT TITLE: Proposed Construction of Drainage for Cottage Hospital along

Jeremiah Useni Road, Kutunku, Gwagwalada Abuja

CLIENT: Federal Capital Territory Administration

EMPLOYER: Health and Human Services Secretariat Works Department

COST: Part of overall cost of Construction which is over 1 Billion naira

STATUS: Ongoing

DESCRIPTION: The project is an F.C.T.A project for the construction of Cottage

Hospital along Jeremiah Useni road Kutunku Gwagwalada, Abuja. The hospital has several

hospital wards, offices, restaurant, board rooms and court yard.

I was sent as a Structural Engineer to supervise the work after the demise of the Chief

Engineer of H.H.S.S works department in F.C.T.A. I resumed the site supervision at the

commencement of drainage construction work.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE DRAINAGE STRUCTURE

Drainage construction has as its basic objective which is the reduction and/or elimination of

energy generated by flowing water. The destructive power of flowing water increases

exponentially as its velocity increases. Therefore, water must not be allowed to develop

sufficient volume or velocity so as to cause excessive wear along the cottage hospital

buildings, ditches, below culverts, or along exposed running surfaces, cuts, or fills.

Provision for adequate drainage is of paramount importance in road construction and

cannot be overemphasized. The presence of excess water or moisture within the roadway

will adversely affect the engineering properties of the materials with which it was

constructed. Cut or fill failures, road surface erosion, and weakened subgrades followed by

a mass failure are all products of inadequate or poorly constructed drainage. As has been

stated previously, many drainage problems can be avoided in the location and construction

of the road.
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SCOPE OF PROJECT

The scope of work for this project included the following:

(i) Drainage works (plumbing up to septic tank).

PERSONNEL INVOLVED

The various personnel involved in this project included the following:

1. A civil/structural Engineer.

2. Quantity surveyor.

3. Contractor

4. Laborers

RESPONSIBILITIES

My responsibilities involved the following:

1. Marking and setting out the drainage construction path.

2. Monitoring and supervising the level taking by the quantity surveyor.

3. Inspection and supervision of the construction work.

4. Record site activities and compilation of site reports.

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

The challenges encountered during this project include the following:

1. Many of the craftsmen involved in this project undermined safety procedures. A lot of

them indulged in unsafe acts during the construction process.

2. The contractor refused to heed advice during the drainage construction and this had a

negative impact on the hospital mortuary which was close to one of the drainage

channel when rainfall occurred.

3. The contractor refused to adhere to mix design stipulated by the H.H.S.S department of

works.

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 SOLUTION PROFFERED

1. Workmen were enlightened on the need for safety. It was ensured that safety rules were

strictly adhered to in order that there would be little or no casualty record. This was

achieved through provision of Personal Protective Equipment, while ensuring that they

were used correctly.

2. A temporary artificial basin was created as an outlet to collect the excess runoff, thereby

reducing the effect of flooding which would have resulted in damaging wear of the

mortuary building.

3. I wrote a detailed report which was submitted to the H.H.S.S department of works in

order to keep them abreast of the unethical activities carried out by the contractor.

EXPERIENCE GAINED

The following experiences were gained:

1. How to carry out marks and setting out for drainage construction.

2. How to write site reports and progress report.

3. Understanding building construction and management and how the various parties ought

to take actions in order to perform their duties effectively, how inspections, monitoring

and evaluation are done.

2.3 Post Graduate Research Experience at University of Ilorin, Nov 2015 – Sep 2019

PROJECT TITLE: The Use of Hydrological Method for Environmental Flow Assessment

in Asa River, Ilorin.

NATURE OF PROJECT: Post Graduate Masters in Engineering (M.ENG) Thesis

POSITION: M.ENG Student

SUPERVISOR: Prof. B.F Sule Engineer

DURATION: 6 Months

YEAR OF PROJECT: 2017

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NAME OF INSTITUTION: University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

DEPARTMENT: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin.

INTRODUCTION

Rivers are categorised under the world’s most complex ecosystem. The expansion of human

populations and activities has resulted in an intensifying and difficult conflict between the

development of rivers and their function as living ecosystems (Dynesius, and Nilsson, 1994).

Flow alterations can have severe impact on both ecosystems and humans; stress and loss of

organisms, dominance of competitive species, reduced habitat availability (Renöfält, et al.,

2009) arid river deltas, less nutrients to serve irrigated agricultural land and fisheries

(Stikker, 1998). The enormous increase in the number of dams has severely changed the flow

of roughly 60% of the world’s major river basins (Revenga, et al., 2000). In Africa at least

114 new major dam developments, mostly for hydropower generation, are either under

construction or survey (Cartney, and Matthew, 2007).

Preservation of water in rivers, lakes or wetlands has been poor over time and this has

resulted in the extinction of some species of fishes or bodies which survive in rivers and

lakes. Research study on assessing this flow problems and finding solution to them is

inadequate most especially in West Africa. One reason for this is that freshwater ecosystems

are closely connected to human activity (Chadwick, 2010). To set a balance between human

and ecosystem demands for freshwater require well developed tools and methods to

minimize the negative consequences of competition for resources. An area where the

sustainable uses of rivers are very important is in West Africa. The water resources in the

river basins are valuable and necessary for the regions development. As this science is quite

new there is an interest for some extra input and research on environmental flows and that is

the cornerstone of this study.

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ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE RESEARCH

When talking about water resources it is common to talk about both quantity and quality, but

these two aspects of water accessibility are often dealt with separately (Nilsson & Renöfält,

2008). The Brisbane Declaration (2007) definition of environmental flows mentions quantity,

timing and quality of river flows. Quality is as important as quantity (Nilsson & Renöfält,

2008) and this study addressed both issues, although the quantity aspect of environmental

flows had a larger part. Thus, this research aim to help Nigeria River Basins strike a balance

in the usage of water especially during the low flow periods in order to prevent the extinction

of water dependence as well as the water bodies.

SCOPE AND DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The scope of the study was limited to the following:

1. Analysis of Asa River Historical and Extended Stream Flow Data using flow Duration

Curves.

2. Desktop model as user-friendly software to calculate the environmental flow

requirements was adopted in the research.

PERSONNEL INVOLVED

The various personnel involved in this project are as follows:

1. The staffs of Asa Dam Ilorin, Kwara State.

2. Supervisor of the research work.

3. Some Lecturers within the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin.

PROJECT METHODOLOGY

In order to gain the necessary background information on applying the environmental flow

methodology a literature study was performed. The methods adapted in implementing the

research are:

1. Investigation and collection of information about the study area.

13
2. Field study to collect information about the water users and the present ecological state.

3. Collection of Flow data for Asa River Ilorin.

4. Determination of the present ecological state using Kleynhans (1996) approach.

5. The environmental flow assessment carried out with the IWMI Environmental Flow

Calculators. These calculators are a family of software for desktop rapid assessment of

Environmental Flows (EFs).

6. The environmental flow assessment carried out with the IWMI Environmental Flow

Calculators. These calculators are a family of software for desktop rapid assessment of

Environmental Flows (EFs).

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Post graduate student in the department of Civil Engineering, my major responsibility

in the Research carried out was to write a comprehensive literature review on the research

title, collate the data and information for the research, analyze the relevant data required for

the research and produce the full manuscript of the research in a well-defined manner. This

I achieved through thorough calibration of data obtained, validation of research analysis,

visual inspection of case study area, personal interview with staffs of Asa Dam Ilorin, and

surfing of the internet for relevant software which was used in the research. I was

responsible for ensuring that the right procedures were followed in conducting the research

as the research study was novel in West Africa as well as Nigeria.

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

The major challenge experienced during this particular research was:

1. The validation of some of the research findings such as the Environmental Flow

Requirement (EFR) and the Present Ecological Status (PES) obtained using the Global

Environmental Flow Calculator.

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SOLUTIONS PROFERRED

1. With much study and consultation from relevant online sites and texts, I was able to

validate those outputs using the Microsoft Excel Tool.

EXPERIENCE GAINED

1. This research provided a good opportunity for me to learn how to allocate water

resources to the several water users especially during the low flow periods from the

upstream to the downstream in order to maintain equilibrium and balance of the

aquatic habitat.

2. The importance of validating output or results obtained from using a software.

3. How to prepare a research proposal and also how to write a comprehensive research

report.

4. How to use the Global Environmental Flow Calculator in obtaining Environmental

Flow Requirement and Mean Annual Runoff.

PROJECT TITLE: The use of computer aided programming for estimation of integrity

score and ecological status of rivers.

NATURE OF PROJECT: Post Graduate Masters in Engineering (M.ENG) Seminar

POSITION: M.ENG Student

SUPERVISOR: Prof. B.F Sule

DURATION: 3 Months

YEAR OF PROJECT: 2017

NAME OF INSTITUTION: University of Ilorin, Kwara State

DEPARTMENT: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin

INTRODUCTION

Determining the ecological status of a river is the step in determining the water quantity

and quality requirements that will ensure that they are sustained in a pre-determined

15
condition. The process of determining the present ecological status (PES) is also called Eco

Classification. The objective of Eco Classification is to decide the ecological state of

various components of a river relative to its natural condition. The components are drivers

(physic-chemical, geomorphology and hydrology) and biological responses (fish, riparian

vegetation and aquatic invertebrates). The ecological state of the drivers and responses are

then integrated using rule-based models to form the Ecological Status, or simply the Eco

Status. The Eco Classification process is a necessary part of any environmental flow

requirement method (Kleynhans and Louw, 2007).

The Eco Status is defined by Kleynhans and Louw (2007) as “The totality of the features

and characteristics of the river and its riparian areas that bear upon its ability to support an

appropriate natural flora and fauna and its capacity to provide a variety of goods and

services.” Several methods for determining the Eco Status have been developed and they

vary from desktop level to comprehensive detailed methods. Depending on the type of

environmental flow methodology (level of reserve determination) used, the appropriate Eco

Status method is chosen.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF THE RESEARCH

Extreme low flows occur during drought. Extreme low flows are associated with reduced

connectivity and limited species movement. During a period of natural extreme low flows,

native species will possibly out-compete exotic species that have not adapted to these very

low flows. Maintaining extreme low flows at their natural level can increase the abundance

and survival rate of native species, improve habitat during drought, and increase vegetation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Post graduate student in the department of Civil Engineering, my major responsibility

in the Research carried out was to write a comprehensive literature review on the research

title, develop the application using Visual basic programming language for object interface

16
design, coding of the objects using visual basic and presenting a case study to validate the

effectiveness of the application. I was responsible for ensuring that the right procedures

were followed in conducting the research as the research study.

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

1. Application failed to run or execute several times even after several debugging and re-

coding.

SOLUTION PROFFERED

1. With persistence and perseverance as well as doing in-depth learning of the

programming language, the program finally executed successfully.

EXPERIENCE GAINED

1. This research provided a good opportunity for me to learn how to develop applications

which can simplify solving engineering related problems.

2. I learnt the importance of validating output or results obtained from using a software.

2.4 Post-Graduation experience as a Lecturer at University of Abuja

Employer: University of Abuja, Department of Civil Engineering

Position: Lecturer II

Duration: Apr 2018 – Dec 2019.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Involved in the research and designing of course materials.

2. Assessing student’s course work and material.

3. Involved in the preparation of exam questions and the marking of exam scripts.

4. Responsible for the departmental administrative tasks.

5. Providing mentoring, advice and support to students on a personal level.

6. Actively involved in class discussions and debate.

17
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

1. Heavy workload as I had to handle exam records, teach about 3-4 courses and perform

other administrative duties.

SOLUTION PROFFERED

1. The art of multi-tasking was employed and I allowed my passion for the academia to

motivate me.

EXPERIENCE GAINED

1. The academic sector sharpened my research skills, teaching skills, interpersonal

relationship skills and improved my human relation.

2. Vital, improved and smart approach to solving problems by applying scientific and

technological principles.

3. Writing and publication of scholarly articles.

4. Techniques of Academic research supervision.

2.5 SUMMARISED LISTS OF PROJECTS EXECUTED

In the course of practicing and Academic research, the following major projects form the

bases of this report. The projects include:

(i) Construction of drainage channels for Gwagwalada Cottage Hospital along

Jeremiah Useni Road, Gwagwalada, Abuja.

(ii) Design and Drafting of two floor Semi-Detached residential building for MR.

Balogun using AUTOCAD.

(iii) The Use of Hydrological Method for Environmental Flow Assessment in Asa

River, Ilorin.

(iv) The use of computer aided programming for estimation of integrity score and

ecological status of rivers.

(v) Computer Aided Design of Conventional Activated Sludge Treatment Plant.

18
 CHAPTER THREE

CONCLUSION

From the experiences encountered in the field as well as the academic sector from

graduation till date, it is noteworthy to mention that each project has its own distinctive

problems and management approaches. No two projects are exactly the same. This has

made Civil engineering a very interesting profession for me to practice as it possesses

peculiar challenges daily.

These personal encounters during the course of practicing have further aroused my keen

interest towards expanding my knowledge of Civil Engineering from conception of a

project (design) to its execution. I have personally been able to highlight some of the major

key factors necessary for the successful execution of a project in the building construction

and research sector in Nigeria. These include:

1. Good design and adherence to standard construction procedures.

2. Adequate planning processes/safety measures.

3. Utilization of standard materials, manpower and equipments.

4. Compliance to specifications.

5. Adequate supervisions, monitoring and evaluation while taking time factor into

consideration.

Thus far, the following experiences have been acquired:

1. Structural Design of reinforced concrete.

2. Construction and site management.

3. Water resources management.

4. Academic Research and.

5. Research administration.

Finally, I have seen the great need and relevance in synergizing with other professionals in

both civil and building construction. I hereby pledge to acquire more knowledge and

19
practice civil engineering to the best of my ability towards the service of humanity. Indeed I

shall remain grateful for your consideration of my admission as a corporate member of this

noble professional body, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

20
 REFERENCES
1. Brisbane Declaration. (2007). the Brisbane Declaration. Environmental Flows are

Essential for Freshwater Ecosystem Health and Human Well-Being, Declaration of the

10th International River symposium and International Environmental Flow

Conference., (p. Appendix 1). Brisbane, Australia.

2. Cartney, M., & Matthew, P. (2007). Decision support systems for large dam planning

and operation in Africa. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management

Institute (IWMI).

3. Chadwick D.H. (2010). This is a strange sort of ark, National Geographic, 217 no. 4,

National Geographic Society: U.S.A.

4. Dynesius, M., & Nilsson, C. (1994). Fragmentation and Flow Regulation of River

Systems in the Northern Third of the World. Science, 266, 753-762.

5. Kleynhans, C. J. (1996). A qualitative procedure for the assessment of the habitat

integrity status of the Luvuvhu River, Limpopo system, South Africa. Journal of

Aquatic Ecosystem Health, 5, 41-54.

6. Kleynhans CJ, Louw MD. (2007). Module A: EcoClassification and EcoStatus

Determination in River EcoClassification: Manual for EcoStatus Determination

(version 2). Joint Water Research Commission and Department of Water Affairs and

Forestry report. WRC Report.

7. Nilsson, C., & B. Malm Renöfält. (2008). Linking flow regime and water quality in

rivers: a challenge to adaptive catchment management. Ecology and Society 13(2): 18.

Available at: http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol13/iss2/art18/ [2010-05-18].

8. Renöfält, B. M., Nilsson, C., & Jansson, R. (2009). Effects of hydropower generation

and opportunities for environmental flow management in Swedish riverine.

Freshwater Biology, pp. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2427.2009.02241.x.

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9. Revenga, C., Brunner, J., Henninger, N., Kassem, K., & Payne, R. (2000). Pilot

Analysis of Global Ecosystems: Freshwater Ecosystems. Washington DC: World

Resources Institute.

10. Stikker, A. (1998). Water today and tomorrow. Prospects for overcoming scarcity.

Futures, 30, 43-62.

11. The Nigerian Society of Engineers: A 3day Mandatory Continuing Professional

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12. BS 8110: Part 1. 1997. Structural Use of Concrete, Code Of Practice for Design and

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13. BS 8110: Part 2 1985. Structural Use Of Concrete, Code Of Practice For Special

Circumstances.

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 APPENDIX A
Site photograph – Construction of the drainage for the Cottage hospital along
Jeremiah Useni Road Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja, F.C.T.

23
24
 APPENDIX B
Snap shot obtained from the research titled: “The Use of Hydrological Method for
Environmental Flow Assessment in Asa River, Ilorin.”

Plate 1: Asa River Upstream of the Asa Dam (Close to the bank)

Plate 2: Stilling Basin of the Asa Dam

25
Plate 3: Outlet of the Asa Dam

Allocation of Environmental Flow Requirement

30

25
Monthly Allocation Proportion

20
of Total EFRs (%)

15

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Month

Figure 1. Proportion of temporal allocation for the total EFRs from January to December.

26
Figure 2: % Natural Mean Annual Runoff for Environmental Management Class C

Figure 3: Flow duration curve for Asa River using Global Environmental Flow Calculator.

Monthly Flow (Mm3) vs %Time flow exceeded

120
y = 72.044e-0.034x
100
Monthly Flow (MCM)

R² = 0.7362
80

60

40

20

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
% Time flow Exceeded

Fig.4.4b: Validation of Flow Duration Curve for Environmental Management Class C.

APPENDIX C

27
Interface of developed Application – Use of computer aided programming for
estimating the Integrity score and Present ecological status of rivers.

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