DEPARTMENT OF QUANTITY SURVEYING

Information and Communication Technology (or Technologies) is the acquisition, processing, storage, and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual, and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications (Karl, 1961). According to UNESCO “ICT is a scientific, technological and engineering discipline and management technique used in handling information, its application and association with social, economic, and cultural matters”. ICT is a branch of Information Technology (IT) that emphasizes the communication technologies that affect our society and how we communicate or share data or information. Four main types of communication devices help with the ease of sharing information across the globe, these are the internet, television, radio, and telephone. ICT has been defined by many scholars and authors over the years and the definitions are central to the sharing of information for easier communication

The Nigerian construction industry is expanding at a rapid rate both in terms of complexity and volume, with that comes a host of issues with project cost and time overruns being at the top. As a result of this, it has become important to conduct this study with the aim of developing cost and time models that can be used by stakeholders in the construction industry. The objectives of this study are to: determine the relationship between cost per kilometer and cost overrun in Nigeria, ascertain the relationship between cost per kilometer and time overrun in Nigeria, analyze the relationship between initial cost and cost overrun in Nigeria and determine the relationship between initial time and time overrun in Nigeria. Secondary data of a population size of 229 extracted from a document released by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in 2017 on the ongoing highway projects in Nigeria was the source of data for this study. Linear regression was the form of analysis performed in order to develop the models in this study. The models obtained in this study are as follows:
C1 = -4.681 x 10
10 + (5.946 x 10
9) Log Ckm + εi, T1 = -322.174 + (58.454) Log Ckm + εi, C1 = -4.336 x 10
9 + (1.088) C0 + εi, T1 = -15.463 + (1.333) T0 + εi. The four models developed posted R2 values, ranging from ≥10% to ≤30%. In conclusion, the relationship between the initial cost of highway projects and its corresponding cost overrun posted the highest R2 value of 30.2% with an adjusted R2 value of 29.1%. This study recommends that reliable cost and time models should more often than not be utilized in predicting the actual time and cost it would take to complete a highway project in Nigeria.

The study aims to assess the level of adoption of alternative materials with a view to promoting the use of alternative construction materials. The population targets are Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Builders and Architects, who are major stakeholders in the construction industry. The research method used was quantitative analysis, and a total of 185 responses were obtained. The findings demonstrate that materials with proven performance, familiarity, and accessibility dominate adoption, while innovative bio-based and agro-waste materials remain underexploited. Addressing cultural biases, enhancing public education, developing local processing infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies are essential for promoting sustainable construction practices in Edo State.Innovative materials such as rice husk, palm kernel shells, coconut coir, hemp, and sheep wool should besupported through pilot programs and research to build confidence in their performance. For enhancing the level of adoption, educational campaigns and technical training to increase knowledge of the benefits and proper use of alternative materials,
development of local processing facilities and supply chain

The persistent shortage of skilled labour has emerged as a critical challenge to the Nigerian construction industry, undermining its ability to deliver projects within the planned time, cost, and quality parameters. This study investigates the extent and nature of skilled labour shortages in Benin City, Edo State, with four main objectives: to determine the availability of skilled labour, identify the major causes of the shortage, assess its effects on project performance, and recommend strategies for mitigation. A survey research design was employed, targeting Architects, Builders, Engineers, Quantity surveyors and Project
managers. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered, and 127 valid responses were analysed. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, particularly mean item score and ranking, to establish the priority of issues identified under each objective. Findings revealed that the availability of skilled labour in the study area is low, with migration of skilled workers (Mean = 4.40), inadequate training (Mean = 4.20), and poor working conditions (Mean = 4.10) emerging as the most critical causes. Lesser causes include technological changes (Mean = 2.80) and limited career advancement opportunities (Mean = 2.70). The shortage significantly impacts project performance, with the most severe effects being project delays (Mean = 4.50), cost overruns (Mean = 4.30), and reduced quality standards (Mean =4.00), while increased supervision costs (Mean = 2.90) and difficulty meeting safety
standards (Mean = 2.80) are of lower concern. In addressing the problem, respondents ranked improved vocational and technical training programmes (Mean = 4.60), better welfare and working conditions (Mean = 4.40), and the adoption of modern construction technologies (Mean = 4.20) as the most effective strategies. Less-favoured measures included the
xii importation of foreign skilled labour (Mean = 2.70) and short-term outsourcing (Mean =2.50). The study concludes that sustainable solutions must focus on long-term workforce development, competitive employment conditions, and the integration of appropriate technologies. These measures, if implemented, have the potential to significantly improve workforce capacity, enhance project delivery, and strengthen the competitiveness of the construction industry in Benin City and other similar contexts