Early Academic Pursuits🌍🏗️
Dr. Jacob Olumuyiwa Ikotun began his academic journey with a National Diploma in Civil Engineering from Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1992. This foundational education set the stage for his further studies in the field of Civil Engineering. He pursued a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology in Minna, Nigeria, graduating in 1998. His undergraduate thesis focused on the structural analysis and design of an industrial reinforced concrete chimney, a case study of the NNPC Refinery in Warri, highlighting his early interest in structural engineering and practical applications.
Furthering his education, Dr. Ikotun obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Structures from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 2003. His thesis on the rectangular finite element plate bending analysis of bridge decks under the supervision of Prof. T.I.A. Akeju, demonstrated his growing expertise in structural analysis. He then expanded his academic horizons internationally by earning another MSc in Concrete Engineering and Environmental Management from the University of Dundee, Scotland, in 2010. His thesis, supervised by Dr. Moray Newlands, explored the benefits of utilizing oil drill cuttings as filler replacement in cement and ternary cement concretes, indicating his early interest in sustainable construction practices.
Dr. Ikotun achieved his highest academic qualification with a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2017. Under the guidance of Prof. Mike Otieno and Prof. Yunus Ballim, his doctoral research focused on the effects of concrete quality and cover depth on carbonation-induced reinforcement corrosion and the initiation of concrete cover cracking in reinforced concrete structures. This work solidified his research focus on the durability and sustainability of construction materials.
Professional Endeavors👨🏫
Dr. Ikotun’s professional career is marked by significant roles in both academia and industry. He began as a Civil/Structural Engineer at Graceful Engineering Limited in Lagos, Nigeria, from 2000 to 2004. Here, he was responsible for structural analysis, design, and construction supervision of civil infrastructure projects, gaining practical experience that would inform his later academic pursuits.
In academia, Dr. Ikotun has held several key positions. He served as a Lecturer II at Covenant University in Ota, Nigeria, from 2004 to 2009, where he taught various structural engineering subjects and developed the curriculum for structural engineering courses. His role also involved structural design and construction supervision of university projects, providing practical training for students.
After moving to South Africa, he joined the Vaal University of Technology in Vanderbijlpark as a part-time lecturer in 2012 and later became a full-time lecturer, eventually being promoted to Senior Lecturer. During his tenure, he was involved in curriculum development, research supervision, and teaching advanced structural engineering subjects.
In 2019, Dr. Ikotun joined the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, as a Senior Lecturer. He also served as the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering from 2021 to 2022, where he performed administrative duties, conducted research, and taught various structural engineering and construction materials subjects. His responsibilities included supervising graduate students’ research and developing the curriculum for new civil engineering programs.
Contributions and Research Focus🧪🔬
Dr. Ikotun’s research primarily focuses on the durability and sustainability of construction materials, service life modeling of reinforced concrete structures, and structural mechanics. He has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers in these areas. Notable publications include studies on the application of mine tailings sand as construction material, the effects of concrete quality on carbonation rates, and the anticorrosion behavior of natural extracts on concrete steel reinforcement.
His doctoral thesis investigated the impact of concrete quality and cover depth on carbonation-induced reinforcement corrosion, providing valuable insights into the durability of reinforced concrete structures. His work on utilizing oil drill cuttings as filler replacement in cement and ternary cement concretes contributed to the field of sustainable construction materials.
Accolades and Recognition🏆
Dr. Ikotun is a respected member of several professional bodies, including the South Africa Institution of Civil Engineers (SAICE) and Cement and Concrete, Southern Africa (CCSA). He is also a Registered Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). His contributions to the field have been recognized through his involvement in various academic and professional committees and his role as an external examiner for structural engineering subjects.
Impact and Influence 📖
Dr. Ikotun’s work has had a significant impact on the field of civil engineering, particularly in the areas of construction materials and structural engineering. His research on concrete durability and service life modeling has provided valuable insights for improving the longevity and sustainability of reinforced concrete structures. His commitment to education and curriculum development has also influenced the training of future engineers, ensuring that they are well-equipped to address the challenges of modern engineering practice.
Legacy and Future Contributions🌟
Dr. Ikotun’s legacy is marked by his dedication to advancing the field of civil engineering through research, teaching, and professional practice. His work on sustainable construction materials and durability modeling has laid the groundwork for future research and development in these areas. As a senior lecturer and researcher, he continues to mentor and guide the next generation of engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ikotun aims to further his research on sustainable construction practices and the development of new materials and methods to enhance the durability and performance of civil infrastructure. His ongoing commitment to academic excellence and professional development ensures that he will continue to make significant contributions to the field of civil engineering, leaving a lasting impact on both academia and industry.