PHIL OKOSE, Onitsha
Facts emerged Sunday that fake engineers are responsible for the incessant building collapse being recorded across the country as clients engage them to cut costs rather than employing certified engineers.
Engineer Valentine Oguama, a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), made the disclosure during the inauguration of the Shanahan University Students’ canteen by the Archbishop of Onitsha Archdiocese, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.
He urged the general public, especially prospective land developers, landlords, and clients, to always engage qualified engineers for construction projects to prevent the risk of building collapse.
Engr. Oguama, who is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Double Eagle Engineering and Consultancy Services Ltd, attributed the rising incidence of building collapse to the alarming trend of unqualified personnel that include, bricklayers and iron benders, hired in place of certified engineers to supervise construction projects.
He also criticized clients who interfere with technical decisions on construction sites, particularly those who dictate the materials to be used without professional input.
He noted that a qualified engineer can be identified not just by certificates but also by the quality of work and technical precision visible at the project site.
Oguama, who has supervised numerous construction projects for the Catholic Church, including those at the Shanahan University permanent site, stressed that every client should demand to see a professional certificate before engaging anyone as an engineer.
“What has made me prominent as a professional engineer and a reputable contractor is the quality of my work and my commitment to timely delivery.”
“Any project I handle, I treat it as if it were my personal project. I don’t prioritize money; I prioritize quality and client satisfaction. At Shanahan University’s permanent site, I built the student canteen, staff quarters, Management Science building (still under construction), the auditorium, the third gate, and the generator house.”he said.
He further stated that he undertakes building projects for parishes within the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, emphasizing that he gives his all to every project without focusing solely on profit.
“I always commit my heart fully to any project, especially when it involves the Archdiocese.
That’s why they keep inviting me, because they know I deliver high-quality work and not just chase money,” he added.
Oguama also criticized wealthy individuals who opt to hire unqualified personnel for building projects in an attempt to cut costs.
“These roadside engineers don’t truly understand engineering principles. They have no idea why specific sizes of iron rods are used in construction.
They simply use rods arbitrarily, without calculations or structural understanding,”
“Engineering is precise. Every rod, every material, must be calculated and placed accurately. But these unqualified workers operate with a ‘we’ve always done it this way’ mentality, which is dangerous.”he said.
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