NAN-H-73
Institute
By Martha Agas
Jos, Nov.29, 2016(NAN) The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) would soon establish an academy for craftsmen and artisans in the country, Mr Daniel Makava, the Head, Consultancy and Extension Services Department of NBRRI said.
Makava made this known at a one-day capacity workshop for members of the Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen (NAEC),
Plateau chapter on Tuesday in Jos.
The Consultancy head, who was represented by Prof. Daniel Matawal, the Director General of NBRRI, said that the proposed academy would enhance skills and train craftsmen on best practices in their various field.
He added that the academy, which was only waiting for certification, would officially be inaugurated in December and would start with 10 trades, including carpentry, plumbing, wall technology and electrical engineering.
He said such certification would enable graduates to present their certificates in any institute of learning or various forums in Nigeria.
“The academy will be launched in December in Lagos; a provost has already been appointed and programmes drawn and curriculum designed for its take off,” he said.
He said the capacity building for NAEC members was to introduce new technology around the globe, which, when adopted, would reduce the cost of construction.
He said this would be done through the use of indigenous building materials because it was fire resistant and durable.
“We are training craftsmen on new technology which would reduce cost of production.
“The technology uses indigenous materials, which is laterite found in almost every community in Nigeria.
“It is mixed only with five per cent of cement which saves 40 to 60 per cent cost of production compared with the conventional method.
“It is also bullet-proof with thermal control and fire proof because of the minimal usage of cement.
“This technology, when adopted, would curb youth restiveness because they would be engaged in the business and would not be susceptible to influence by evil people for nefarious activities.”
In his remarks, Mr Terver Tyosar, the Zonal Coordinator, North Central of NBRRI, said the technology was introduced first to craftsmen because they were closer to the grassroots and would replicate it across the 17 local government areas of the state for greater impact.
He said “the main material, which is laterite, is found in Plateau, which is also the first state to conduct training for craftsmen on the technology in Nigeria.”
He explained that the method needed no plastering and no maintenance.
In his remarks, Mr Henry Miri, the Chairman, Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen (NAEC) in Plateau,
commended NBRRI for the training.
He said the training would make the craftsmen better equipped, skilled and exposed to better and cheaper technology, thereby making housing accessible to all. (NAN)
MAA/DO/HA
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Edited by David Onilede/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu