Engr. Prof. Okorie Austine Uche FNSE FNICE KJW , Former Chairman NSE, Kano Branch, Pioneer Chairman, NSE, Kabuga Branch has been appointed as the New Registrar of COREN.
He will assume office officially in March this year to succeed Engr Prof. Ademola Adisa bello, whose tenure is rounding off.
Professor Okorie Austine Uche is an accomplished Nigerian Civil and structural engineer. His career trajectory cut through blend of academic, industry, consulting, and community services.
Born in Amuda Isuochi, Abia State, on August 1st, 1965, his journey has taken him to the forefront of the field, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s infrastructure and engineering landscape.
Prof. Uche’s academic foundation was built at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering. He furthered his studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU), obtaining both his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Civil Engineering.
These formative years instilled in him a deep understanding of engineering principles and a passion for advancing the field.
He is registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and possesses memberships in the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Material Society of Nigeria (MMSN), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
He served as a Key Expert in Structures and Bridges for the World Bank and French Development Agency (AFD) sponsored Adamawa Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP 2), a large-scale initiative with a budget of N2.987 billion. His expertise was also instrumental in the construction of Bayero University Kano’s five-story Senate Building, a project exceeding N850 million at the time.
Perhaps one of his most significant undertakings is his role as Chief Consultant Structural Engineer for the Centre for Skill Acquisition, Development and Training Complex in Port Harcourt, a N12 billion project funded by the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF). This complex includes a seven-story building, industrial workshops, a library, student hostels, staff quarters, and associated infrastructure, showcasing the breadth and depth of his engineering capabilities.
His consulting portfolio extends beyond these large-scale projects, encompassing dam designs, church auditoriums, lecture theatres for various institutions, road projects, and residential buildings, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability.
Prof. Uche’s research interests are diverse and impactful, focusing on innovation and sustainability in construction. He investigates innovative materials and methods to enhance the durability and sustainability of existing construction materials like concrete, wood, steel, and composites. His research in concrete technology explores the rheological properties of fresh concrete, the production and use of pozzolanas, concrete mix design, creep, and shrinkage.
In structural engineering, he focuses on non-destructive testing, sensing and imaging for civil materials and structures, reliability and risk assessment, and reliability-based design and optimization. He also explores the application of advanced techniques, such as artificial intelligence, to civil engineering work and modeling, pushing the boundaries of the field.
Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Prof. Uche is deeply committed to community service. He serves as Lay President of the Diocese of Kano Methodist Church Nigeria, demonstrating his dedication to his faith and community. He has also held key positions within the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) at both branch and national levels, contributing to the development and advancement of the engineering profession in Nigeria.
His service on COREN visitation panels for the accreditation of engineering programs at several Nigerian universities underscores his commitment to ensuring quality engineering education for future generations.
He is also a published author, with numerous journal articles, conference papers, and a book, “The Fundamental of an Engineer in his Society,” to his name, further disseminating his knowledge and insights.
Through his multifaceted career, Prof. Okorie Austine Uche has made significant contributions to the field of civil and structural engineering in Nigeria, leaving a legacy of innovation, expertise, and service.