By Ngozi Nwankwo
Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, has urged architects, particularly female professionals, to spearhead research and innovation aimed at addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit and reducing the country’s dependence on imported building materials.
Echono made the call on Friday in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria, FAN during a courtesy visit to the TETFund headquarters.
He said the Fund was committed to supporting research initiatives that would produce affordable, aesthetically appealing and climate-responsive housing solutions capable of addressing Nigeria’s growing housing needs.
According to him, TETFund’s National Research Fund has been expanded beyond universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to accommodate research and innovation from all segments of society.
“Basically, that fund is intended to promote, facilitate and activate all research and innovation efforts regardless of source,” he said.
Echono explained that the Fund was designed to strengthen intellectual contributions to research and foster partnerships capable of translating innovative ideas into practical solutions to national challenges.
He expressed concern that about 80 per cent of building materials used in Nigeria are still imported, describing the situation as unsustainable for the nation’s economy.
While acknowledging progress in the local production of materials such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, he noted that Nigeria still relies heavily on imports for products including doors, windows and other essential building components.
“Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry. It will retain wealth within the country and create millions of jobs for our people,” Echono said.
He encouraged members of FAN and other professionals in the built environment to take advantage of TETFund’s research support to develop locally driven solutions for the construction sector.
The TETFund boss also announced that the Fund would host its National Research Fair in November at Eagle Square, Abuja, and invited architects to showcase innovative products and research findings at the event.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc Ene Agada, commended Echono for his contributions to education, research and national development, presenting him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding public service and support for female architects.
Agada said FAN remained committed to promoting excellence in architecture through women’s empowerment, sustainable housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
She acknowledged TETFund’s critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy through investments in education, research and capacity development.
Agada added that the association was seeking strategic collaboration with TETFund in areas where the expertise and professional networks of its members align with the Fund’s mandate.
“It is in the spirit of partnership, shared vision and impact that FAN has come before you today. We seek collaboration with TETFund in areas where our members’ expertise, professional networks and training strengths align with TETFund’s mandate and funding instruments,” she said.
