Their objective is to equip undergraduates with the necessary skills to thrive in the 21st-century built environment, marked by technological advancements.
This call to action was made during separate presentations at the International Conference on "Sustainable Built Environment and Innovative Development in the 21st Century", organized by the School of Environmental Studies at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun state.
During his keynote presentation at the conference, Akinsomi emphasized the importance of introducing students to the latest technologies employed in the built environment. This shift is crucial to combat the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.
Akinsomi, a prominent figure in real estate research, underscored that 40 percent of global warming can be attributed to the building materials used in construction.
He stressed the need for greater flexibility in building materials, advocating for the integration of technology in residential construction to mitigate the impact of climate change.
His call to action extends to embrace modern building materials for construction as a means to reduce environmental carbon emissions.
During his address at the conference, the lead speaker Professor Bioye Aluko highlighted the crucial need for a change in attitudes among both academics and students within tertiary institutions. This change in mindset is essential to ensure a smooth adaptation to evolving academic curricula that accurately mirror the realities of the 21st-century built environment.
Professor Aluko, who previously served as the Head of the Department of Estate Management at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, stressed that an immediate overhaul of academic curricula is a vital recommendation adding that the recommendation should be vigorously pursued to encourage innovative development and foster a sustainable built environment. In addition to this, he put forth other recommendations aimed at addressing the adverse impact of climate change in the environment.
"Immediate review of the curriculum of tertiary institutions for the incorporation of technological innovations for the acceleration of sustainable built environment."
"There is the urgent need to promote collaboration and synergy among built environment professionals. The menace of unhealthy rivalry should be eliminated", he stated
According to him, "these professionals should see themselves as partners in progress, where information are shared and interoperability ensured, rather than business competitors"
The experts equally recommended the deployment of digital technology which according to them, had improved construction processes all over the world must be encouraged.
"Built environment professionals are encouraged to invest in these technologies and improve upon their capacity to seamlessly deploy them"
"There is the need for government to enable the deployment of these technologies in the built environment."
"Appropriate policy framework for the acquisition, training and usage of these tools should be formulated", he suggested
The Professor of Estate Management stressed the need for Incentives that must be given to professions and organizations using these technologies in their operations.
"It is incumbent on built environment associated professional associations and regulatory bodies to sharpen the knowledge and skills of their members in the usage of the identified innovative technologies. In this regard, mandatory continuing professional development seminars should be devoted to the training of their members on the usage of these innovations", he stressed
Rector of the institution, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji declaring open the two-day international conference holding on its campus, inside OGD auditorium, described the theme "Sustainable Built Environment and Innovative Development in the 21st Century", as very apt and timely in view of global happenings and developmental issues
Also, Dr. Samson Agbato, the Director of the School of Environmental Studies at MAPOLY, articulated the conference's purpose in his welcome address.
He emphasized its role in fostering meaningful interactions and discussions, aiming to pave the way for an innovation-powered sustainable built environment.
"As far as we are concerned, creating linkages between Polytechnic and industry has the potential to contribute to the betterment of both industry and Polytechnic",he stated.
Earlier, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Arc Olabisi Baiyewu had said the theme of the event, captured the current reality of building a sustainable environment in the 21st century via the deployment of innovative development in line with relevant Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)
The Royal Father of the event, Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewa land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, expressed that this conference was the first of its kind he had ever attended at any tertiary institution in the country.
He commended the organizers for orchestrating such an event focused on devising sustainable environmental plans for both present and future generations.
