Experts blame building collapses on poor regulation

Experts have blamed reported cases of building collapse on non enforcement of regulation and recklessness on the part of builders.

This was their submission at the Ife Architecture Summit 2.0, at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun state.

The Summit themed “Beyond Build: The Future of Architecture in Nigeria — The Role of Leadership, Mentorship, and Education,” brought together architects, scholars and students for impactful conversations on the future of architecture in Nigeria.

They submitted that until builders and regulators respect codes and standards, we will continue to suffer the consequences.”

Summit chair and IFASA President, Favour Oyekan, described architecture as “a force that stirs, speaks, and serves,” while urging students to engage with the profession beyond technical design. The event featured notable personalities, including Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA); Arc. Olusegun Ladega of Interstate Architects; and Prof. Cordelia Osasona, OAU’s first female architecture professor.

Arc. Adeniyi applauded the summit’s relevance to national growth, praising OAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simeon Bamire for supporting the initiative. Prof. A.D. Jiboye, Head of Department, also emphasized its value in inspiring academic and professional direction for students.

In his keynote, Arc. Ladega warned as well called for stronger oversight and public engagement with architectural professionals.

Prof. Osasona, in a special session, addressed the gender-related struggles faced by female architecture students. She encouraged them to stay determined, embrace opportunities, and prove their value in a male-dominated industry.

The summit also saw the unveiling of the inaugural Ife Architecture Journal, a student-led publication edited by former IFASA president, Ojo-Ibukun Timothy. It was described as a milestone in promoting student-led research and architectural discourse.

Special honours were awarded to industry trailblazers, including Arc. Adeniyi, Arc. Ladega, Prof. Osasona, and Prof. Jiboye. IFASA also recognized advisory excellence among faculty and sponsors of the Prof. Bayo Amole Architectural Essay Competition, which awarded top student essays from OAU and Lead City University.

G Other Archiweek activities included a cleanup campaign with PloggingNigeria and a sporting event where Yellow House emerged victorious. Commending the organizing team, Oyekan closed the summit with a message of transformation: “Let this day spark something in our hearts, minds, and work that moves us all beyond build.”