The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has called on Nigerian architects, particularly female professionals, to intensify research aimed at addressing the country’s housing deficit and reducing 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 Fund’s headquarters.
He said TETFund was committed to supporting research and innovation that would deliver affordable, aesthetically appealing and climate-responsive housing solutions for Nigerians.
According to him, the Fund’s National Research Fund has evolved beyond supporting only universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, and now accommodates research initiatives from all sectors 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 initiative was designed to strengthen research, encourage innovation and foster partnerships capable of translating academic findings into practical solutions to national challenges.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s reliance on imported construction materials, he noted that nearly 80 per cent of building materials used in the country are sourced from abroad, describing the situation as unsustainable.
While acknowledging improvements in the local production of materials such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, he said Nigeria still imports essential construction components, including doors and windows.
“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 urged members of the Female Architects of Nigeria and other professionals in the built environment to take advantage of TETFund’s research funding opportunities to develop homegrown solutions for the construction sector.
The TETFund boss also announced that the Fund would host a National Research Fair in November at Eagle Square, Abuja, and invited architects and other researchers to showcase innovative products and ideas.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc. Ene Agada, commended Echono for his contributions to education, research and national development.
She presented him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding public service and support for female architects.
Agada said the association remained committed to promoting excellence in architecture through women empowerment, sustainable housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
“We recognize 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 a strategic partnership with TETFund in areas that align with the Fund’s mandate, leveraging the expertise, professional networks and training capacity of its members to advance research and innovation in Nigeria’s built environment.
