The William V. S. Tubman University (TU) has once again put Liberian research on the global map.
Two senior faculty members from the College of Engineering and Technology represented the University at the 23rd International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Components (DBMC 2026), held July 20–24, 2026 at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
DBMC is one of the world’s leading conferences on building materials, construction innovation, and infrastructure sustainability.
Representing TU were two NRF South Africa-rated researchers from the Department of Civil Engineering: Prof. Babatunde F. Ogunbayo, PhD, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology.
He presented: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Evaluate Approaches to Reducing Waste in the Construction Industry: Evidence from South African Construction Professionals.”
The study explores how AI tools can track material use, predict waste, and help contractors build more efficiently and sustainably.
Prof. Samuel A. Adekunle, PhD. He presented: “Beyond 3D Printing: Enhancing Construction Site Safety Using 4D-Printed Personal Protective Equipment.”
His research focuses on smart PPE that can change shape or adapt to impact, offering better protection for workers on dangerous sites.
Both presentations addressed urgent challenges in Africa’s construction sector: waste, cost overruns, and worker safety. Prof. Ogunbayo’s AI model offers a data-driven way to cut construction waste, which is a major cost driver.
Prof. Adekunle’s 4D-printing concept introduces next-generation safety gear that responds to environmental conditions on site.
The research aligns with TU’s mission to provide solutions relevant to Liberia and the wider region.
TU President and CEO, Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, congratulated the professors, calling their participation a reflection of TU’s growing research culture.
“We are proud of our scholars for representing Tubman University with distinction on the international stage.
Their achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to research excellence, innovation, and global collaboration,” Dr. Menjay stated.
The professors expressed appreciation to the University Administration for travel and research support.
They said the conference provided a platform to network with leading scholars, industry experts, and potential collaborators from around the world.
They committed to bringing back new teaching methods, research ideas, and technological insights to strengthen engineering programs and innovation at Tubman University.
