By Kingsley Adegboye

Against the backdrop of recurring failures in engineering and architectural projects in the country arising from shoddy jobs by engineers and architects handling the projects, a construction expert, Uwe Erich Halpick wants the country’s educational system to focus more on practicals than the theoretical aspects of education.

Halpick who is an engineer and architect is the project director at Spezial Bau, a Nigerian construction company with international presence which cuts Europe, Africa and Asia. He stated that emphasis on practical experience of Nigerian engineers and architects will ensure the delivery of quality engineering and architectural projects in the country. The German who said he has over 30 years experience in the construction sector, also called for training and retraining of housing and construction professionals. He noted that regular training and retraining of engineers to update them on current construction techniques which are obtainable in other parts of the world will further guarantee quality and perfect job delivery by construction professionals in Nigeria.

The construction guru who spoke to Vanguard Homes & Property at the weekend, noted that with his vast knowledge in construction, he has realised that emphasis on practicals will better equip engineers rather than class work. He pointed out that the emphasis at Spezial Bau is regular training and retraining of engineers which explains the high quality of jobs being delivered by the the Lagos-based construction company. Services offered by Spezial Bau, according to Halpick include construction of roads and housing projects. Others are construction of cinemas, resorts, office buildings, school buildings, service stations, hotels, airports, canalization and hospitals. “Our brand represents high-quality, remarkable, efficiency, affordability, creativity, innovation and precision,” he said.

Standout projects executed by the company include the newly constructed mega filling station with truck park along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, eight units of four-storey buildings in Arepo, Ogun state, five-storey building in Abuja and the newly commissioned FCT VIO computerised vehicle inspection centre. “We offer the best in architectural designs, construction management and overall maintenance work with over 35 years of hands on global experience, delivered mainly through our German partners.