The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has charged female architects to spearhead research initiatives aimed at addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit and challenges related to affordable housing.
He emphasised the importance of renmducing the nation’s reliance on imported building materials through innovative solutions in the construction sector.
Echono disclosed that TETFund’s mandate through the National Research Fund was no longer limited to universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, but had been expanded to accommodate research from all strata of society.
“Basically, that fund is intended to promote, to facilitate, to activate all research and innovation efforts regardless of source,” he said.
He explained that the Fund was structured to put intellectual content into major research works and to build partnerships that can translate research into practical solutions for national problems.
He expressed concern that nearly 80 per cent of building materials used in Nigeria are still imported, a situation he described as unsustainable.
While acknowledging that architects have made progress in areas such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, he noted that on a global scale the country was still importing doors, windows and other key inputs.
“Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry if we can, and will retain the wealth in this country and create millions of jobs for our people,” Echono said.
He urged FAN members and the wider built environment community to take interest in TETFund-funded research to provide solutions in that area.
Echono announced that TETFund will host a National Research Fair in November this year at Eagle Square in Abuja, and called on architects to showcase innovations.
Earlier in her address, FAN Chair, Ene Agada, commended Echono for his contributions to education and research and presented him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding performance in public service and support for female architects.
Agada said FAN was committed to advancing excellence in architecture with a focus on women’s empowerment, housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
“We recognise and appreciate TETFUND’s pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy — by supporting education, research, and capacity development in ways that translate into measurable development outcomes,” she said.
She added that FAN was seeking partnership with TETFUND in areas that align with the Fund’s mandate.
“It is, therefore, 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,” Agada stated.
