Danjuma YAWAS
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ahmdu Bello University Nigeria

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An Analysis of the Challenges to Achieving Sustainable Practices in Nigeria's Construction Sector Hyginus Unegbu; Danjuma YAWAS; Bashar Dan-asabe; Abdulmumin Akoredeley Alabi
Advances in Civil Engineering and Sustainable Architecture Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): Advances in Civil Engineering and Sustainable Architecture
Publisher : Petra Christian University

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.9744/acesa.v7i1.14464

Abstract

This study investigates the key barriers to the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, focusing on regulatory, organizational, social, cultural, and technological factors. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative case studies and interviews with quantitative survey data to identify these challenges. The findings highlight the multifaceted and interconnected nature of these barriers, with regulatory challenges—such as outdated building codes, insufficient legislative support, and bureaucratic inefficiencies—emerging as the most significant. Social and cultural resistance to change, coupled with limited public awareness of sustainable construction benefits, further complicate adoption. Technological challenges, including high costs of green materials and a shortage of skilled professionals, are also key obstacles. The study suggests that Nigeria can draw valuable lessons from other developing countries, such as South Africa, India, and Indonesia, where similar challenges have been addressed through proactive policies and innovative practices. Recommendations for overcoming these barriers include modernizing building codes, strengthening leadership in sustainability within the construction sector, and launching comprehensive public education campaigns to shift societal attitudes. The study further advocates for increased investment in green technologies and the development of local supply chains to reduce costs and enhance the accessibility of sustainable construction materials. By adopting these strategies, Nigeria can promote sustainable building practices and contribute to global knowledge on overcoming barriers to sustainability in developing economies.
Design and Fabrication of a Modular Mini-Hydro Turbine for Off-Grid Electrification in Nigeria’s Riverine Communities Hyginus Unegbu; Danjuma YAWAS
R.E.M. (Rekayasa Energi Manufaktur) Jurnal Vol 11 No 1 (2026): June
Publisher : Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21070/r.e.m.v11i1.1776

Abstract

This research presents the design, simulation, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a modular crossflow mini-hydro turbine engineered to address persistent energy access challenges in Nigeria’s off-grid riverine communities. The system was conceived to operate efficiently under low-head, variable-flow conditions typical of inland watercourses, using a fully modular design framework that emphasises ease of deployment, maintenance, and scalability. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was employed during the design phase to optimise internal flow characteristics, nozzle geometry, and runner-blade profiles. The turbine achieved a hydraulic efficiency of 62% to 68% and produced a consistent power output of 300–340 W per module across a range of flow conditions. Empirical testing validated the CFD predictions with deviations remaining under 7%, confirming the design’s reliability. Environmental assessments revealed noise and vibration levels well within rural acceptability thresholds, and casing integrity was preserved under continuous operational testing. A key innovation of the system lies in its modular configuration. All primary components—including the shaft-runner assembly, generator unit, and control interface—were designed to be independently replaceable using basic tools. Scalability tests confirmed that dual-module operation retained 92% efficiency, demonstrating the viability of phased expansion in community-scale installations. The turbine aligns with national electrification objectives and offers a replicable, context-sensitive solution for rural electrification in sub-Saharan Africa. The study contributes a practical and scalable model for clean energy deployment, advancing the case for modular micro-hydro systems as critical infrastructure in remote and underserved regions.
Conversion of Waste Tyres into High-Energy Fuel Products Using Pyrolysis Technology Hyginus Unegbu; Danjuma YAWAS
IJIMCE : International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Construction and Energy Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): IJIMCE : International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Construction and Ene
Publisher : Universitas Negeri Padang

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24036/ijimce.v2i3.71

Abstract

The accumulation of waste tyres poses a critical environmental and public health concern due to their non-biodegradability, complex composition, and fire hazard potential. This study explores the thermochemical valorization of end-of-life tyres into high-energy fuel products through pyrolysis, emphasizing process optimization, product quality assessment, and environmental performance. A fixed-bed pyrolysis system was operated across a temperature range of 350°C to 550°C to evaluate its influence on product distribution and yield characteristics. The maximum oil yield of 52.3% was obtained at 500°C, representing the optimal balance between primary depolymerization and suppression of secondary cracking reactions. The pyrolysis oil exhibited a high heating value (43.6 MJ/kg), suitable for energy applications, but exceeded international standards for sulfur content and viscosity, necessitating upgrading prior to use in transportation fuels. The gaseous fraction, enriched with hydrogen and light hydrocarbons, showed strong potential for process self-sufficiency and co-generation. Solid char demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties for application as a fuel or adsorbent material. Statistical modeling using linear regression accurately predicted oil yield trends, and Aspen Plus® simulations closely aligned with experimental results, validating the process model for scale-up. A comparative life cycle assessment revealed that pyrolysis significantly outperforms incineration in terms of greenhouse gas reduction, energy recovery, and particulate matter emissions. These findings confirm that tyre pyrolysis is a technically feasible and environmentally advantageous approach for sustainable waste management and fuel generation. Further integration with refining technologies and renewable energy inputs is recommended to enhance commercial viability.
Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Predictive Maintenance in Nigerian Hydropower Infrastructure Hyginus Unegbu; Danjuma YAWAS
IJIMCE : International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Construction and Energy Vol. 2 No. 3 (2025): IJIMCE : International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Construction and Ene
Publisher : Universitas Negeri Padang

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.24036/ijimce.v2i3.72

Abstract

Ensuring the operational integrity of hydropower infrastructure is critical for maintaining energy security and grid stability in Nigeria. However, conventional predictive maintenance frameworks are hindered by inconsistent data availability, poor sensor coverage, and a lack of physical interpretability. This study presents a robust Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) architecture tailored for predictive maintenance in Nigerian hydropower systems. By embedding domain-specific physical laws—namely Bernoulli’s principle, the turbine power equation, and Fourier’s law of heat conduction—directly into the model’s loss function, the proposed PINN integrates physical reasoning with deep learning to produce accurate and explainable degradation forecasts. Simulated operational data reflective of real-world hydropower conditions were used to train and evaluate the model. Comparative analysis against Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and Random Forest (RF) regressors demonstrated the superior performance of the PINN, which achieved an RMSE of 4.75 days and an R² value of 0.88. Furthermore, physics residuals across all governing constraints were consistently below 0.04, indicating strong physical consistency. The model accurately predicted failure in three fault scenarios—runner blade erosion, stator insulation decay, and penstock pressure surges—with lead times ranging from 7.5 to 11 days, thereby enabling actionable intervention before catastrophic breakdown. A real-time monitoring interface was developed to visualize model outputs, risk thresholds, and residual dynamics, facilitating operator trust and integration into existing maintenance workflows. This research establishes the PINN as a scalable and domain-aware solution, well-suited for advancing predictive maintenance capabilities in Nigeria’s evolving hydropower infrastructure.