TETFund tasks female architects on research, housing deficit
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called on architects, particularly female practitioners, to spearhead research aimed at tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit and reducing the country’s reliance on imported building materials.
Echono made the call on Friday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) to TETFund headquarters in Abuja, where he assured the group of the Fund’s readiness to support research and innovation capable of delivering affordable, aesthetically pleasing and climate-responsive homes.
He disclosed that TETFund’s mandate under the National Research Fund had been broadened beyond universities, polytechnics and colleges of education 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 further said the Fund is structured to inject intellectual content into major research works and to forge partnerships that translate research into practical solutions for national problems.
Echono expressed concern that nearly 80 per cent of building materials used in Nigeria are still imported, describing the situation as unsustainable. While acknowledging progress made by architects in areas such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, he noted that the country continued to import doors, windows and other key inputs on a large scale.
“Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry if we are able, and will retain the wealth in this country and will create millions of jobs for our people,” he said.
He urged FAN members and the wider building community to engage actively with TETFund-funded research to help address the challenge, and announced that the Fund will host a National Research Fair in November at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he called on architects to showcase their innovations.
Earlier in her remarks, FAN Chair, Arc. Ene Agada, commended Echono for his contributions to education and research, and presented him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his service to the public and support for female architects.
Agada said FAN remained 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 aligned 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.