By Paul Samuel
In recognition of his forty years of meritorious service to the University of Lagos, the Architecture and Urbanism Research Hub, University of Lagos on Thursday May 6, 2021 put together a festchrift to honour of one of the institution’s foremost professors, Professor Joseph Mgboyejugboh Igwe.
The Book titled ‘Architectural Confluence- Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ had its unveiling at the Institution’s Julius Berger Hall amidst pomp and celebration.
Professor Igwe, a seasoned Professor of Architectural History, Theory and Criticism in the Department of Architecture, University of Lagos, is an advocate of deep-rooted cultural inputs in design conceptualization.
The book was written in his honour in recognition of his devotion to cultural issues in design and in promotion of scholarship in the History theory and criticism of architecture, over many years.
In his remark, Professor Obanisola Mufutau Sodiq, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Professor of Structural Engineering, revealed that the Architectural Design of Julius Berger- Engineering Lecture Theatre where the event took place was designed by Professor Igwe and the first phase was commissioned by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 while the second phase was commissioned by the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, in 2019.
He said in all the times they have both worked on all buildings constructed in the Institution there had never been defect even when he needed to do his part as Structural Engineer.
He also mentioned that one of the children of Professor Igwe studied Architecture identified as Onyeka Igwe, hence stepping into the profession of her father.
In his goodwill message, Professor Olukayode S. Oyediran explained that it may be out of bias, the month of May has its unique specialty. No surprise Professor J.M Igwe was born in May and himself also.
He revealed that Professor Igwe was a “Cook” of good architecture-Intelligent and creative manipulation of space for beauty, human comfort, and historic-cultural value. And a “Chef” of architecture history.
While congratulating the Department of Architecture, he congratulated Professor Igwe and leaders of thoughts in architecture-education and practice.
In his words: “I congratulate department of Architecture. I congratulate the leaders of thought in Architecture-Education and practice. You have set the place for environmental sciences in the University and by extension the offspring that comes from your intellectual wombs. I congratulate the colossus: Professor of History of Architecture, Professor Joseph M. Igwe”
Appreciating the recognition, Professor Igwe emphasized on the importance of History. He said the study of History is very important in human existence and when there is no history there will be a lot of damage to human life.
He enunciated that African is suffering from amnesia- extreme state of forgetfulness and it was so evidence, when the previous government said that the study of History should be expunged from the school curriculum, though subsequently reinstated after much advocacy. If you don’t know history your attitude about life will change. Those who do not study history suffers amnesia- extreme state of forgetfulness.
He further explained that those who studied History would know the developmental phases of Architecture and also formulate innovative process, adding that studying History will enable you to ask questions related to your subject. “By studying history, you will not be able to repeat the same mistake of the past, and you will built a structure within the context of the environment. Failure to study History will bring colossal failure,” he said.
Present at the occasion are, former Ebonyi State Governor and former Minister for Education, Senator Sam Egwu, Dean Faculty of Engineering, Prof. M. Sadiq, Head, Department of Mass Communication, Associate Prof. Adepoju Tejumaye, Arc. Ladi Lewis, Arc. Okah- Avae, Prof. Nwabueze, Architect Oguntoye, the Hub’s Grand Patriarch, Prof. Bayo Amole, its Coordinator, Associate Prof. ‘Tunji Adejumo, the Hub Administrator, Dr. Mokolade Johnson, Arc. Olabode Jegede, Dr. Bolawole Ogunbodede, Arc. (Mrs.) Emma Ekpo amongst other notable members of the Hub.
