REAPPRAISING BUILDING EDUCATION CURRICULUM: THE ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY-UTURU CASE

A.N. Iroegbu; O. Onumadu and S. Obike

Abstract The Department of Building, Faculty of ordinators, who were directly under the Dean of Environmental Studies Abia State University- the college, while the Department was directly Uturu, has in the last twenty eight (28) years administered under a Unit Head, who was been exploring methods that address directly under the co-ordinator of the school. The innovation and modernization of Building Construction Management Department (now Education. The aim of this Department Building) was under the school of Environmental established in 1982 as Construction studies. Management undergraduate programme and The Construction Management later changed to Building in 1992 is to create a Building Education system that will meet the Undergraduate Programme of Abia State was the Nigerian Universities Commission/Council of first Construction Management Programme in Registered Builders of Nigeria African Universities (Adindu, 1982; Adindu and (NUC/CORBON)) standard and at the same Iroegbu 2002; Adindu, 2005). The college then, time incorporate into its programme, features had two schools and five Departments. The that will align the curriculum with the Departments include – Architecture, Building, industrial needs of the country. This paper Estate Management, Geography and planning, generally reports the development, and Urban and Regional Planning. Outside research undertaken by some experts (authors Architecture, all other four Departments were inclusive) in facilitating the development of under the Schools of Environmental Studies. this curriculum. The paper examined the accreditation of Building programme, aim and The first Dean of the College (now objectives of Building Programme. Based on Faculty) was Prof. U.M Igbozurike, and the first the afore-stated, an appraisal and evaluation of Head of Unit (now Department) was Mr. G.O. the curriculum was made – discussing the Adindu (now Associate Professor- Retired). The general philosophy for developing the new Appendix shows the nominal roll of past curriculum. The paper goes further to present Deans/Heads of the Faculty/Department as well the new curriculum. The methods used for as the present Dean/Head of the present Dean/ development, evaluation and reappraising are Head of the Present Faculty/Department of also presented. The recommendations, include, Building respectively. So, the work on that this present curriculum should be allowed curriculum development of the Department to run for at least five (5) years. started with the establishment of the University/Department in 1982, and it was Mr. Introduction G.O. Adindu who developed the said curriculum The Department of Building, Faculty of with the experience he got from his former Environmental Studies, Abia State University, University abroad – University of Waterloo, Uturu – Nigeria was established in 1982 as Ontario – Canada. Construction Management undergraduate Finding out that such degree programme, under the then College of classification is not readily acceptable at Engineering and Environmental Studies. The undergraduate level in Nigeria and to make our college then had two schools – School of graduates registerable with existing professional Architecture and School of Environmental body in Nigeria, the programme was changed to Studies. These schools were administered by co- Journal of Qualitative Education, Volume 7 No. 1 May, 2011

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A.N. Iroegbu; O. Onumadu and S. Obike Building degree programme in 1991/1992 academic session. According to Obiegbu (2008): 1. Department of Land Surveying. The Department had reviewed its 2. Department of Quantity Surveying. programme not only to meet the These two (2) – all important current National Universities Departments need to be established for a Commission (NUC) Minimum complete curriculum of a programme in Bench Mark on Academic Environmental Studies in particular and Standards but also the professional demands of both the Nigerian construction industry at large. The Building Institute of Building and the Department currently runs a programme leading Council of Registered Builders of to the award of Bachalor of Science (B.Sc) Nigeria. The Abia State degree. This programme is concerned with Government been gracious in transmission of the knowledge and concepts in supporting the programme in the science and technology of building, and is aimed provision of teaching tools and the at producing Professional Builders who would facilities. function immediately and effectively in Again, in 2002/2003 session, under the government construction and in management of tenure of Prof. Ogwo E. Ogwo, two other facilities serving the needs of the society. The Departments were introduced – Department of B.Sc programme is by tutorials, laboratory, Fine and Applied Arts; Department of studio; workshop and field work (on live Environmental and Resource Management – projects) and projects supported and reinforced making a total of seven (7) Departments. In the by practical training in construction industry. same year, the university changed the College Courses are designed to impact sound system to Faculty system and the name of the knowledge to students (undergraduates) on College was changed to Faculty of Engineering application of scientific principles to solution of and Environmental Studies. By this practical problems. In this regard, a good development, there is nothing again like the background in mathematics, physics and School of Architecture or School of chemistry is required. These subjects enable the Environmental Studies, and Co-ordinators. So students develop the necessary technical skills, the two schools were merged to form the Faculty intellectual discipline and the power to analyze, and the Unit Heads – became the Heads of solve complex structural system problems, Department (HOD’s). By this, the HOD’s now design and construct buildings. report directly to the Dean and not to a – Co- The B.Sc programme is for duration of ordinator. five (5) years consisting of nine (9) semesters of Also in 2007/2008 session under the study in the University and one semester (second tenure of Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa (the present semester of fourth (4th year) compulsory practical vice chancellor), the name of the Faculty was training in construction industry. The first two changed to read, “Faculty of Environmental years of study are common to all the branches of Studies”. This was proper since the Faculty Environmental, Engineering and Construction never established any Engineering Department. Industry Studies. From the second (2nd) year However, for complete programme of a onwards, the emphasis is on the teaching of Faculty of Environmental Studies, two other courses in the various area of Building major Departments were lacking in Abia State Technology. In second semester of fourth (4th) University – Faculty of Environmental Studies. year, the students embark on a six (6) months They are: industrial training, while in final year, an in-dept

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Reappraising Building Education Curriculum: The Abia State University-Uturu Case study of some aspect of Building Technology is graduates from other universities and employers undertaken by each student in the form of a to assess the desired characteristics of the project. graduates, the importance of specific knowledge The Department of Building, Faculty of or skills for their job requirements and the degree Environmental studies has no problem in terms to which the students received adequate coverage of staff. Lecturers are employed from areas of of such knowledge or skill in their academic Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Land programme. Based on this survey it was agreed Surveying as part of building lecturers to take that effort should be concentrated on the charge of some courses that were supposed to be brochures from Nnamdi Azikiwe University – taken from such Departments, since Abia State Awka (Obiegbu, 2008). University have no such Departments for now. It was also agreed that the following This paper discusses the general philosophy for lecturers be adjunct to the Department to assist in developing the curriculum and then goes ahead the development and implementation of this to present the contents of the curriculum. The programme. They are: Prof. E.O.P. Akpan; Engr. methods used for evaluation of the curriculum (Dr.) D.O. Onwuka – both of Federal University are also presented. In general, this work is of Technology, Owerri. Bldr. K.C. Okolie; Bldr. intended to serve as a building block for the D.A. Obodoh both of Nnamdi Azikiwe establishment of new Departments of Building, University, Awka. Mr. G.A. Onyemechi from in any university or the modernization of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and Engr. Grant existing ones. Onwuka from Federal Polytechnic – Nekede. Identifying key concepts from other Method Building curricular that should be included in In January, 2007 the Departmental Abia State University curriculum entailed a lot of Board of Building Department embarked on the work which the Departmental Board did exercise of developing and formalizing their (Onumadu, 2008). The final curriculum was curriculum in line with the faculty directive. In developed at the instance of Bldr. M.E. Obiegbu addition to National Universities Commission’s with several innovative approaches that will face (NUC) guidelines on Minimum Academic Building Professionals in the coming decades Standard/Departmental Programmes from other (Obiegbu, 2008; Iroegbu, 2008; Onumadu 2008 Universities in Nigeria/Overseas, a number of & Obike, 2008). The development of sound theoretical works were also considered. curriculum for Building Department will require The vision of Building Department was a good knowledge of: to develop a Building Curriculum which ensures i. The accreditation process by the National that the student graduate will have specific Universities Commission (NUC). abilities or knowledge upon graduation. First, the ii. Council of Registered Builders of Department requested for departmental Nigeria (CORBON). These issues will brochures from many Universities in Nigeria first be examined before going into the offering Building in order to enable them philosophy of the curriculum, its commence the research. Some of the development and evaluation. Universities did comply.

The brochures from overseas university Accreditation of Building Programme were easily obtained from the university library. Based on the need to maintain basic The Department then compiled reports of staff minimum standard of practice and from their informal surveys of Building professionalism in Nigeria, all degree

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A.N. Iroegbu; O. Onumadu and S. Obike programmes run in the Universities including the After the five academic session, there Building programme must be accredited by the shall be a re-accreditation visit. To the NUC. The NUC to this effect, has published its Glory of God, the Department of Minimum Academic Standard and this document Building after being denied accreditation is very essential for any Department, be it a new in 2006/2007 academic session had a full Department seeking fresh accreditation or an accreditation in 2007/2008 session both existing Department seeking re – accreditation. by NUC and in CORBON. Also in Nigeria, any degree programme run in b. Interim – Accreditation:- This Department of Building must be accredited by shall be granted to any degree Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria programme that has minor deficiencies (CORBON). The CORBON to this effect usually that must be rectified within a stipulated makes available to Department its requirement. period. This is granted for not more than CORBON requirement is usually NUC two (2) academic sessions after which Minimum Academic Standard plus additional the programme would be automatically professional requirement which most Registered due for revisitation. Builders in academics are familiar with. A c. Denied Accreditation:- Denied Department is usually free to set higher standard, accreditation applied to any degree or but the standard must not fall below the other academic programme, which has minimum of NUC and CORBON. The goals and failed to satisfy the approved academic objectives of any accreditation are to set desired standard. Request for re-visitation for the standard and monitor adherence to that standard purpose of accreditation shall come from usually by visitations. The aim was to certify at the University concerned. The criteria for meeting all formal official requirements of accreditation of Building based academic excellence, curriculum and facilities – programmes in Universities in Nigeria so as to have programmes which will: are derived from issues relating to i. Assure employers and other members of academic matters – goals and objectives the community that graduate of all of the programme, the curriculum, academic programmes have attained an resources available for teaching the acceptable level of competency in their programme, satisfactory standard and area of specialization. quality of students’ work, effective ii. Certify to the International Community management of the Department, good that the programmes offered in the financial support and satisfactory rating Universities are of high standards and of graduate performances on the job by their graduates are adequate for employers. employment and for future studies. The status of accreditation of an academic Philosophy of the Programme programme may be identified at one of The philosophy underlying Building the following levels: Education is to develop and advance the science a. Full Accreditation:- These shall be and practices of building science and building granted any degree programme that has production management. It is important to met the Minimum Academic Standard emphasize that building involves building (MAS). Full accreditation shall be construction, technology and techniques, granted for a period of five (5) academic buildability and maintainability analyses, sessions with a mid – term appraisal. building construction process and methodology

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Reappraising Building Education Curriculum: The Abia State University-Uturu Case in the areas of site management, contract essential that all programmes will ensure that management, financial management, building students become conversant with the following production and maintenance. major aspects of Building: The Building graduates are therefore 1. Building and construction technology. expected to devote substantial part of their lives 2. Design principles and appreciation. solving national problems of how to make 3. Building materials science. Nigeria technologically truly independent and 4. Environmental science. break new grounds in all aspects of building 5. Building Production management. techniques, building production management, 6. Building services. construction processes and building 7. Structural theory and design. maintenance. 8. Construction management. 9. Measurement of building works. Aim and Objectives of Building Programme 10. Estimating and tendering. The objectives of a degree programme in 11. Construction plant and equipment. Building are to train competent graduates in 12. Project management. building construction process, its management 13. Environmental management. and maintenance. In addition, the programme 14. Building maintenance. should provide sufficient general knowledge and 15. Building surveying. specified skills and techniques which will enable 16. Professional practice and procedure. the professional builder to manage and control 17. Information technology. the technological, economic, human and material 18. Economics of construction industry. resources involved in the Building Production. 19. Budgeting and financial control. The building graduate is also trained to 20. Awareness of major issues currently at interact effectively with owners, developers, the frontiers of Building Research and other allied professionals, manufacturers, Development. suppliers and other stakeholders in the 21. Management and conservation of man- construction industry including artisans and made and natural environment. craftsmen and be fully equipped for public and 22. Entrepreneurship for Builders. private sector services and self employment. 23. Housing systems and processes. Since the lack of maintenance of any building 24. Architectural design. will accelerate its deterioration and eventual 25. Law of contract and Arbitration. collapse, there is also a need to groom the 26. Industrial law/law of master and servant. building graduates in the art, science, Also, practical skills reflecting the skills technology, techniques and culture of building expected from graduate builders from this maintenance technology, maintenance programme are outlined as follows: management and facilities management. a. Competence in feasibility and viability studies. The Building Curriculum b. Skills in Buildability and maintainability The programme structure of the building analyses. curriculum development for the Abia State c. Competence in Building production University–Uturu, based on the above challenges management. is presented bellow. While flexibility is d. Competence in Assemblage and allowed in the depth of the body of knowledge construction of all types of Buildings. required in the Building programme, it is

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A.N. Iroegbu; O. Onumadu and S. Obike e. Skill in co-ordination and project appropriate remedies and organization of management of building projects. rehabilitation and maintenance works. f. Skills in the management of building n. Skills in carrying out Building Facilities construction works from planning/tender Management. stage to completion and profitability of o. Skills in carrying out maintenance of all the operations involved. buildings. g. Skills in instruction, control and p. Sills in value management and building inspection of site operative’s works. project risk analysis. h. Competence in the most appropriate and q. Skills in monitoring and evaluation of cost effective method of construction Building projects. and sequence of site operations for the Among the general skills required for the entire building construction project – programme include: this include the preparation, 1. Written and oral communication skills. implementation, updating, review and 2. Information technology skills. monitoring construction methodology, 3. Information retrieval skills in relation to construction programme, Information primary and secondary source – Requirement Schedule (IRS), Project including information retrieval through Quality Plan, Project Health and Safety on – line computer search, internet, e- Plan and Early Warning Systems (EWS). mails. i. Skills in the setting out of building, 4. Inter – personal skills with ability to be ensuring correct positioning of all engaged in team work and oral elements of building and supervision of submission of proposals. foundation, formwork and temporary 5. Qualitative and quantitative problem supports, superstructure, concrete, wood, solving skills. aluminium and structural steel works for 6. Time management. all types of buildings. 7. Study skills needed for Continuing j. Skills in building up unit rates, obtaining Professional Development (CPD). and analyzing quotations, tendering and On the learning outcomes, the behavioral making recommendations for the attributes of the holders of bachelor purchase of all materials, components degree in building are expected to be and sub-contract works and other governed by the laws of Nigeria in construction resources required for general and the code of professional building project. conduct of the Professional body (The k. Skills in the preparation of project Nigerian Institute of Building). The quality management plan, fire safety, following are the specific attributes: health and safety plan and instruments 8. Ability to discharge responsibilities to for building construction. the client or the employer with full l. Competence in building maintenance regard to the public and building technology. professional interest. m. Skills in carrying out condition survey of 9. Ability to uphold the dignity, standing building and preparation of schedules of and reputation of the Nigerian Institute condition and dilapidation; identifying of Building and the Council of the building defects, recommending Registered Builders of Nigeria.

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Reappraising Building Education Curriculum: The Abia State University-Uturu Case

10. Ability to keep confidential information required to carry out a research project. Each confidential. student working under the supervision of an 11. Ability to be free from corruption. academic staff is required to submit a report on 12. Ability to use professional skills and his findings and undergo and oral examination. integrity acquired for the good of the society. Industrial Attachment:- Industrial attachment 13. Skills to be abreast with new thoughts programme during the second semester of fourth and developments in the Building year provides a unique opportunity for most science, technology and industry. student builders to witness for themselves how their profession is organized. It is a period for Evaluation of the Curriculum self evaluation by the students. In order to The Building Curriculum for the Abia evaluate the students in the Industrial Training State University has a number of factors built (IT) programme, the Department has into it to help evaluate the programme, in incorporated into its curriculum, IT Seminar addition to the evaluation carried out by an which are done before and after each encounter external moderator and employers. The internal of the student with the industry. The pre- indicators used to evaluate the curriculum are attachment seminar prepares the students for the testing – during training, design (studio work) task ahead while the post – attachment seminar is exercise, industrial attachment and field trips, use to grade the student. It is also required that a external (moderation) moderator, employer and student should submit a written report to qualify alumni association. for grading. Testing:- Testing (Quiz) is done at least twice in a semester. At the middle of the semester, a class Field Trips:- The Abia State University, Uturu test is given which will form part of the has field trips as part of its comparison. These continuous assessment which carries 30% of the field trips (live projects) are designed to give final grading. A student who registers to study students a first hand impression of how Building for a degree programme in Building is also construction project look and how they are being evaluated in terms of attendance. Students are managed. This component influences their normally required to satisfy 70% attendance of appreciation of Building Production Management scheduled classes in lectures, tutorials, practical, and impacts on their understanding of lectures. workshops and field trips to be eligible to take This is another period of self evaluation, as examination. serious students do not have difficulties reconciling theories with practices in the Design (Studio Work) and Workshop industries. Practice:- Several design exercise and studio work are incorporated in the curriculum. The External Moderators:- An external examiner is students are exposed to workshop practice in the invited once every year to evaluate the area of woodwork, plumbing, metal, block programme. The external examiner will go laying & concreting in year II. In year III, through students’ project, look at examination courses in Building services questions and answer sheets, interview some (Electrical/Mechanical; plumbing/ Acoustics) etc students, check lecture notes given to students are taught. Also from year III to year V, they are and interview the staff. The external examiner exposed to various drafting and building designs, then gives an assessment of the programme while in second semester final year, a student is

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A.N. Iroegbu; O. Onumadu and S. Obike which will then be submitted to the Vice 2. Future plans will focus on bringing Chancellor. together, all stakeholders for evaluating the programme. Employer and Alumni Association:- Another 3. This may be followed by a workshop to important component that helped the Department discuss the direction of the curriculum maintain quality of the programme is to convene development – especially in terms of meetings with Alumni, practicing Builders, and innovations and modernization. Employers to discuss the quality of the 4. Building technology graduates of ABSU, programme (Iroegbu, 2008). This will assist in should be meeting after graduation. developing a feedback quality control system. This part is yet to be implemented – since References Building graduates of Abia State University, Adindu, G.O. (1982). Undergraduate programme Uturu (ABSU) find it difficult to come together of study. Construction management unit, after graduation. college of engineering and environmental studies. Abia State University, Uturu. Conclusion Seasonal academicians with diverse Adindu G.O.& Iroegbu, A.N. (2002). background led discussion on the curriculum Undergraduate programme of study. development described in this paper. It was a Department of building engineering, rich experience as they shared thoughts, which faculty of engineering and environmental studies, Abia State University, Uturu. they believe will be of benefit to the Department in the coming years. They include: Bldr. M.E. Adindu, G.O. (2005). Undergraduate programme Obiegbu, Engr. G. Onwuka, Engr. (Dr.) D.O. of study (Revised). Faculty of engineering Onwuka, Engr. A.N. Iroegbu, Suvr. C.C. and environmental studies. Abia State Mbakwe, Suvr. G.U. Ogbenna, Assoc. Prof. J. University, Uturu. Onyeka, Bldr. D. A. Obodoh, Bldr. A. Umezurike, Bldr. K. Okolie, Bldr. O. Onumadu, Iroegbu, A.N. (2008). A departmental board. Bldr. S. Obike & Prof. E.O.P. Akpan. They all Member, on the 2008 decision on the new accepted the challenge that, this exercise of building programme. Faculty of environmental studies Abia State curriculum development is a dynamic one and University, Uturu. that continuous review is needed if the Department should be abreast with latest Obiegbu, M.E. (2008). Acting head of development. department (HOD)/ board member on 2008 decision on the new building Recommendations programme. Faculty of environmental Based on the reappraisal and evaluation studies, Abia State University, Uturu. of the curriculum, the following recommendations have been proffered: Obike, S. (2008). A departmental board member 1. The present curriculum and programme on the 2008 decision on the new building should be allowed to run for at least five programme. Faculty of environmental (5) years. studies, Abia State University – Uturu.

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Reappraising Building Education Curriculum: The Abia State University-Uturu Case

Onumandu, O. (2008). A departmental board A.N. Iroegbu member on the 2008 decision on the new Department of Building , building programme. Faculty of Faculty of Environmental Studies Environmental Studies, Abia State Abia State University, Uturu. University – Uturu. O. Onumadu Department of Building , Appendix Faculty of Environmental Studies Abia State University, Uturu. Nominal Roll of Past Deans of the Faculty/HOD’S of Building & the Present and Dean & HOD of the Faculty and Department of Building Respectively. S. Obike Department of Building , S/N DEAN HOD YEAR Faculty of Environmental Studies Abia State University, Uturu. 1 Prof. U.M. Mr. G.O. Adindu 1985-1991 Igbozuruike (Pioneer Dean)

2 Prof. E.E. Mr. G.O. Adindu 1991-1992

Okpara 3 Prof. A.U. Mr. G.O. Adindu 1992-1995

Awuzie 4 Dr. M.A. Mr. Adindu 1995-1997 Ijioma

5 Assoc. Prof. Engr. Omerekpe 1997-1999 G.O. Adindu 6 Hon. I.U. Assoc. Prof. G.O. 1999-2003

Mbadiwe Adindu 7 Prof. M.A. Assoc. Prof. G.O. 2003-2005

Ijioma Adindu 8 Prof. E.I.C. Assoc. Prof G.O. 2005-2006 Agwu Adindu (2005-

2007) 9 Prof. I.U. Kalu Bldr. M.E. 2006-Date Obiegbu (2007 -

Date).

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