It is a proud moment for Imoleayo Awodele who will be graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in the Built Environment in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Spring Graduation ceremony. This anticipated ceremony, under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, will take place at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
For Awodele from Osun State in Nigeria, this graduation is an incredible milestone which will mark the beginning of new opportunities and possibilities. He described it as a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
His thesis titled: An Integrated Procurement Model for Sustainable Delivery of Railway Infrastructure Projects in Nigeria was conducted after he discovered that Nigeria’s railway infrastructure projects have suffered from inefficient procurement processes, causing delays and suboptimal outcomes.
“This study was aimed to develop a sustainable procurement model for improved project delivery. Using a mixed research approach, data was gathered from 150 railway professionals via questionnaires and 15 structured interviews with experts from the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Transportation. The analysis, conducted using SmartPLS 4 software, identified a five-construct model crucial for sustainable project delivery. Key findings highlight that poor funding significantly hampers the adoption of sustainable procurement. The model provides valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers to address procurement challenges, fostering more sustainable practices in future railway projects,” explained Awodele.
He feels his study contributes to knowledge on sustainable procurement in developing nations, particularly within the Nigerian context. With a solid foundation in Quantity Surveying and Construction Project Management, he has developed a career that spans both academia and industry, contributing to the growth of knowledge and practical solutions in the built environment.
His journey at DUT began in 2020, and he is deeply grateful to God for the privilege of studying at one of the leading universities of technology, not only in South Africa but across Africa as a whole.
“DUT has provided me with an enabling environment for both learning and research, allowing me to grow academically and professionally. The support and resources available at the university have been instrumental in shaping my academic path. I am proud to be a graduate of this esteemed institution, and I carry the knowledge and experiences gained here with immense gratitude and pride. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the school management for their unwavering support and dedication to fostering an excellent academic environment,” shared Awodele.
Like many students, Awodele faced several challenges throughout his academic journey. One of his biggest hurdles was adapting to a new environment outside of his immediate family, which required a lot of self-discipline. Additionally, he indicated that balancing academic responsibilities with personal commitments was sometimes overwhelming.
He resonates with all the values of the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, which are transparency, honesty, integrity, respect, and accountability. He had endeavoured to uphold each of them throughout his academic journey.
“These values have been my guiding lights, influencing my actions and decisions every step of the way. While I find all these values essential, integrity stands out as a cornerstone of my approach. It has guided me in maintaining honesty and transparency in my work, ensuring that my actions align with my principles. Upholding these values has been fundamental in shaping my experiences and success at DUT,” added Awodele.
He plans to pursue further studies to enhance his expertise and impact in his field. Awodele strongly believes that continuous learning is essential for staying ahead and making meaningful contributions. Additionally, he aspires to engage in ongoing development programmes in order to stay abreast of contemporary issues in his field of study.
Sharing some of his accolades Awodele said: “I have been privileged to undertake study mobility and exchange programmes across at least two continents under the auspices of this esteemed institution. My research output has been presented both locally and internationally, and my publications are receiving notable citations. These accolades include awards for academic excellence and significant contributions to research projects.”
His aim is to advance in both academia and industry to drive innovation and contribute meaningful research in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
Pictured: Imoleayo Awodele to obtain his PhD in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
Simangele Zuma
