By Aminu Ahmad Saidu – H21MC028 (GROUP 7)
Civil engineering is a professional engineering practice that applies the knowledge of mathematics and the physical sciences to design, construct and maintain the physical and naturally built environment for the benefit of man and the environment. Put simply, civil engineers build bridges, roads, canals, dams, tall buildings, and other large structures.
Civil engineering is all about creating, improving and protecting the environment in which we live. The practice is concerned with the provision of infrastructure and other facilities for day-to-day life and for transport of goods and services for the promotion of people’s comfort and the utilization of the industry.
Civil Engineering is considered the oldest engineering profession (it was originally embedded in ME) since the term was only coined to separate it from another term, military engineering (ME). Some writers prefer to call it the oldest engineering profession after military engineering.
Civil engineering was originally defined simply to distinguish non-military engineering from military engineering but it actually represents so much more. Without civil engineers we wouldn’t have a constant supply of clean water, roads or trains to get to work in the morning, or sustainable energy to help us save our planet.
Civil engineering is traditionally broken into several sub-disciplines including environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, highway and transportation engineering, municipal or urban engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying, and construction engineering.
Civil engineering takes place on all levels: in the public sector from municipal through to federal levels, and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international construction giants and dealings.
Impacts of Civil Engineering to the Society
Civil engineering in Nigeria has profound impacts on society, touching various aspects of people’s lives, economic development, and the environment. These impacts are pivotal to the country’s growth and progress. Here are some of the significant ways civil engineering influences Nigerian society.
Civil engineers can make a real impact in Nigeria through a number of projects, from the construction of new buildings and infrastructure to the improvement of existing buildings.
An example is the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel building in Abuja. The project was completed in June 2017 and was designed to be energy-efficient and to meet the highest standards of safety. It is also equipped with a solar power system to generate electricity using renewable sources.
An example of improving existing buildings is the Lagos State Building Code, which is designed to raise the standards of safety and construction in the city. This code is not only important for the city itself but also for other cities in Nigeria, as they can follow its example.
Challenges Faced in Civil Engineering Practices
Civil engineering is a field that faces various challenges, both technical and non-technical, as it strives to design, construct, and maintain the infrastructure that supports modern society. These challenges can vary by region and project.
Working in an environment with limited resources and infrastructure presents obvious challenges to civil engineers, but they face a range of other issues too. Some of the main challenges in Nigeria include the following:
- Limited access to education and training: There are few engineering schools in the country, meaning that many civil engineers have to study abroad to complete their training. This is often costly, both in terms of money and time.
- Poor working conditions: Many engineers in Nigeria work long hours in poor conditions, with little incentive.
- Lack of recognition: Engineers often work in the background and are not always recognized for their important role.
- Poor infrastructure: Even if civil engineers find the resources and opportunities to complete their training, they must then work with limited infrastructure due to the poor condition of many of the country’s buildings.
Possible Ways to Overcome the Challenges of Civil Engineering Practices
Overcoming the challenges of civil engineering practices in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, engineering professionals, and the public.
These can be explored through various initiatives that are designed to support engineers in the country and bring positive change to the industry as a whole. Some of these initiatives include:
- Talent and skills identification: A key first step is to identify and promote the skills and talents of engineers in Nigeria. This can help them to develop their careers and contribute to a positive image of the profession.
- Investment in training and mentorship: There is a need to create better training opportunities both inside and outside the country. This can help to improve the skill set of engineers and expand the profession.
- Collaboration with other countries: The engineering sector is global, and there is potential for collaboration between countries. This can help to reduce the pressure on resources in Nigeria and allow engineers to develop their skills further.