Transforming Nigeria’s built environment with tech-driven solutions: Construction expert Onososen Adetayo’s approach to innovation

Adetayo Onososen is a Ph.D. student in Construction Management at the University of Johannesburg, specializing in the application of robotics and related technologies to enhance safety and productivity in the built environment. His research explores innovative methods for integrating robots into construction sites to work collaboratively with human teams, focusing particularly on Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.

One of Onososen’s notable contributions is his development of a model that uses algorithms to identify value-adding opportunities in automation and AI. This model employs analytical techniques such as MICMAC and Interpretive Structural Modeling to assess the impact of these technologies. He emphasizes that the growing infrastructure demands and rapid urbanization require a rethinking of traditional approaches to infrastructure delivery. This need is further amplified by global discussions on the sustainability and health and safety performance of the construction sector. Onososen’s model highlights the importance of convincing stakeholders of the benefits of automation and AI to encourage their widespread adoption in the AEC sector. The tool offers critical insights into the cost-benefit dynamics of these technologies, providing recommendations for effective implementation. These insights are crucial for construction stakeholders, policymakers, and local authorities in developing strategies for integrating and adopting these systems.

The model developed has demonstrated significant benefits, including a 33% increase in organizational efficiency by focusing on technological advancements. Automation and AI are poised to contribute substantially to sustainable infrastructure that is resilient, responsive, and equitable. The model also identifies four key systems that enhance collaborative working, enabling project participants to collaborate from various locations through cloud-based document sharing and virtual meetings. Onososen’s research extends to, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the use of Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality for improving construction safety and productivity. He actively hosts showcases and exhibitions at the University of Johannesburg and the University of Lagos to highlight these technologies and facilitate industry engagement.

Before embarking on his Ph.D., Onososen Adetayo worked on diverse projects in southwestern Nigeria, including Lagos and Ogun states. He is a sought-after speaker at conferences and plays a pivotal role in advancing digital adoption in Africa, particularly through BIM initiatives with BIM Africa. His industry contribution includes co-developing a white paper on the digital transition of the built environment in developing countries for the South African government, supported by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the University of Johannesburg which has influenced digital adoption discussions in South Africa.

Onososen is also dedicated to training and reskilling both unskilled and skilled workers. His collaboration with CYPE software and the University of Johannesburg to create a state-of-the-art digital innovation lab highlights his commitment to fostering technological advancement in the construction sector. The Innovation Lab has been established to offer university students specialized training in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and emerging technologies relevant to the AEC industry. This initiative is part of a global effort to modernize the academic institution’s technological offerings, particularly within the Project Management Office. The goal is to enhance students’ proficiency with cutting-edge tools, enabling them to navigate the digital transformation occurring in the construction industry through BIM. This approach promotes collaboration across various disciplines by utilizing digital models, which helps reduce errors, shorten project timelines, and improve overall efficiency and productivity.

BIM also supports the integration of advanced technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, big data, and artificial intelligence in the construction sector. “In the Innovation Lab, we will equip students with these new tools and technologies throughout their academic journey, blending traditional educational strengths with the multidisciplinary perspective offered by BIM,” says Benjamín González, Director of Corporate Development at CYPE. This BIM Laboratory is the second of its kind that CYPE has developed, following the establishment of a similar facility at the University of Malaya in Malaysia in November 2021. This previous lab has significantly enhanced students’ career prospects by providing them with hands-on experience using the latest professional design and analysis tools. His ongoing projects with the University of Lagos to drive digital adoption in Nigeria demonstrate his exceptional ability to spearhead transformative initiatives. With his visionary approach and profound expertise, Adetayo Onososen is at the forefront of driving digital transformation in the construction industry. His work is not only advancing technological integration but also positioning Nigeria as a global leader in construction innovation. As he continues to lead and inspire, Onososen’s contributions are poised to have a lasting impact on the future of the built environment.