Professor Bello made this call during the delivery of the 16th Inaugural Lecture of Osun State University on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, Main Campus, Osogbo.
In his lecture titled “Soils from the Earth: Beyond Pavement Construction”, Professor Bello emphasized the importance of consolidating research on soil properties to create a comprehensive manual that could be of immense benefits for stakeholders within and outside the construction industry.
“Government should establish an agency, akin to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), at local levels for the regular and routine maintenance of local roads,” stated the Inaugural Lecturer.
He further urged researchers to investigate and amalgamate studies on soil properties from all parts of Nigeria to develop a manual offering essential information to practicing engineers, governments, and the construction industry regarding the performance of Nigerian soil materials for road construction and other applications.
Professor Bello also recommended the adoption of pozzolanic agricultural wastes by construction companies to stabilize weak soils. This, he argued, would contribute to addressing climate change concerns by minimizing the negative environmental effects associated with waste disposal.
He further implored governments to prioritize the use of engineered landfills for waste containment facilities to prevent subsurface pollution resulting from leached potentially harmful chemical species migrating through waste, ultimately reaching the environment beneath.
In his introductory remarks, the Vice-Chancellor Professor 'Ayo Clement Adebooye highlighted the academic journey of the Inaugural Lecturer, noting his outstanding performance across education tiers and professional achievements as a scholar, culminating in his appointment as a Professor of Civil Engineering on October 1, 2019.
The 16th Inaugural Lecture drew attendees from various segments of the society, including scholars, policy makers, esteemed community and religious leaders and captains of industry.