A Professor of Civil and Structural Engineering at Achievers University, David Akinyiwola Opeyemi, has advocated the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and digital twin technologies as critical tools for ensuring structural safety amid growing climate and environmental uncertainties.
Opeyemi made the call while delivering the 6th inaugural lecture of the university titled: “Bridging Uncertainty: Ensuring Structural Safety amid Climate and Environmental Change,” held at the institution in Owo, Ondo State.
The don warned that traditional engineering assumptions and deterministic design methods are becoming increasingly inadequate in addressing modern environmental realities, noting that changing climate patterns now expose buildings, bridges, dams and other infrastructure to risks not captured in existing engineering codes.
According to him, the future of structural reliability will depend heavily on smart technologies capable of predicting failures, monitoring infrastructure conditions in real time and adapting to changing environmental conditions.
He said: “Looking ahead, the future of ensuring structural reliability amid climate and environmental change will be shaped by Artificial Intelligence and machine learning for reliability prediction, digital twins of infrastructure systems, climate-adjusted design codes, resilience-based performance metrics, and integration of sustainability, reliability and resilience.”
Opeyemi explained that digital twins, virtual replicas of physical infrastructure systems, would allow engineers to continuously monitor structures throughout their life cycles, detect weaknesses early and trigger maintenance before failures occur.
He stressed that engineering practice must evolve from reliance on static historical data to adaptive, data-driven systems capable of responding to uncertainties posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation.
The professor also urged universities to review engineering curricula to include reliability and risk analysis, probabilistic thinking and climate-resilient design strategies, adding that future engineers must be equipped to manage uncertainty rather than assume certainty.
While describing structural failure as both a technical and moral issue, Opeyemi charged engineers to prioritise public safety above commercial interests and resist complacency in design and construction practices.
He further called for stronger enforcement of building standards, context-sensitive engineering solutions for developing economies and increased investment in resilient infrastructure across Nigeria.
The inaugural lecturer acknowledged the role of his mentors, colleagues and family in his academic journey, while highlighting his contributions to structural reliability research and low-cost engineering laboratory innovations supported through TETFund-sponsored projects.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, lauded the intellectual depth of the lecturer. Aremu said: “The Inaugural lecturer was able to showcase his brilliance in Structural Engineering and made some informed policy recommendations that can benefit the country.”
