Construction Contract and Administration I

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. Develop an awareness and understanding of the basic principles of dispute resolution, dispute resolution institutions and their operations; 2. Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the process of arbitration, statutory backing, award system and challenges facing arbitration practices in Nigeria; 3. Gain an awareness and understanding of the clauses in the various standard forms of construction contracts; and 4. Gain the knowledge and skill in interpreting the financial and contractual implications of some selected clauses that are commonplace in the Nigerian construction industry.

Standard forms of construction contract. Analyses, interpretation and application of condition of contract clauses. Definition of works; meaning of completion, sectional completion, time for completion. Extension of time, instructions, defect liability and maintenance clauses; insurance and payment. Liability of contractor, subcontractor and suppliers. Bankruptcy and insolvency. Preparation of financial statements and final account; determination and preparation of termination accounts; position of parties in absence of express provision, regulatory clauses and statutory conditions. Liability of professional advisers. Scenario-based exercises to help the students to develop requisite skills in contract administration. Dispute resolution mechanisms, trends in commercial dispute resolutions. Alternative dispute resolutions. Emphasis on arbitration, introduction to the latest arbitration and conciliation Acts in Nigeria and other international documents. Institutions promoting alternative dispute resolutions locally and internationally. Cases in alternative dispute resolution in the Nigerian construction industry making use of adjudication, arbitration mediation, conciliation among others. Multi- door Court systems at State and Federal levels.