An international master’s student, Iseoluwa Mogaji will be graduating Cum Laude and will obtain the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for her Master’s degree in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the 2023 Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation ceremony to be held at the Olive Convention Centre, Durban on Monday, 19 September 2023.
Mogaji (26) from Ondo State, Nigeria will be amongst the graduands from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment who will be honoured for their academic excellence in the afternoon session of the DUT Spring Graduation. Her dissertation is titled: Assessment of the Adoption of Innovative Building Materials (IBM) for Sustainable Construction in the Nigerian Construction Industry.
“Indeed, pursuing a master’s degree programme in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, was an enriching journey where I deepened my knowledge in built environment-related topics, collaborated with research colleagues, and honed my research and analytical skills. This academic experience has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth and aspirations,” shared Mogaji.
Speaking about her achievement, Mogaji is immensely grateful that she will be graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award.
“This recognition, obtaining Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work, determination, and the significance of a supportive community. I am deeply humbled and motivated to strive for excellence in all my endeavours,” reiterated Mogaji.
She attributed this achievement to the grace of God, whom she claimed has been her constant source of strength and guidance. Furthermore, she expressed her profound gratitude to her supervisor, Dr. M. C. Mewomo, and her mentors, who have selflessly shared their knowledge and expertise, fostering her growth and passion for learning. She believes their unwavering support and inspiration have been instrumental in their success.
“I also appreciate my fellow master’s degree students, who have been friends and sources of inspiration. Their camaraderie and shared experiences have enriched my education in ways I could never have imagined. I would also like to acknowledge the Durban University of Technology for providing fee remission for full-time students, making my journey much easier. Their generosity is greatly appreciated,” added Mogaji.
Touching briefly on her dissertation, Mogaji shared that the aim of her research was to assess the adoption of IBM for sustainable construction in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Her findings include the significant barriers to IBM adoption in the study area: lack of awareness and knowledge, learning /training period, cost and economic viability, and lack of qualified staff.
Mogaji shared that some of the challenges she encountered were visa and immigration issues, financial challenges, and the need to build new social and professional networks.
“These challenges can impact academic performance and well-being but offer personal growth and resilience opportunities. Despite these obstacles, my determination to complete my studies remained unwavering. To address visa and immigration challenges, I diligently followed the guidance provided by the university’s International Education and Partnerships office, ensuring all necessary paperwork was in order. I also managed my finances well. Additionally, I proactively connected with fellow international students, local students, and the staff, which helped me build a support network and successfully navigate the complexities of studying in another country. These experiences have taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability in pursuing my academic goals,” explained Mogaji.
Her vision for her career involves personal growth while actively promoting environmentally conscious practices in the construction industry and the broader community. She aspires to be a mentor and influencer, nurturing emerging professionals that are committed to advancing sustainability in the construction sector for a lasting, positive impact.
Pictured: Iseoluwa Mogaji
Simangele Zuma