I led the Edo State Delegation for a visit to the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM). We were given a guided tour of the facility and had a meeting with the Department of Chemical Research, organized by my good friend, Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Wolfram Schmidt, a senior researcher at BAM who has made exceptional discoveries in recent times. BAM is a renowned scientific and technical federal institute under the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Their mission is to test, research, and provide advice to protect people, the environment, and material goods. During our visit, we had the opportunity to observe their equipment and learn about their ongoing work.
One noteworthy encounter was with Professor Funso Falad, a research fellow from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, who is affiliated with BAM. He commended the institute’s groundbreaking research on concrete alternatives aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, the head of the department delivered a presentation that detailed their processes, mandates, and the practical applications of their work. Dr. Wolfram Schmidt also presented on the research conducted by BAM in Lagos and Ghana, focusing on exploring cassava as an alternative to cement for concrete constructions. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss potential collaborations, exchange and further relations with Nigeria.
Overall, the visit to BAM was insightful and productive, allowing us to witness their cutting-edge research and explore potential partnerships in advancing sustainable construction practices.
