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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) has commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its sustained investments in education, research and capacity development, describing the interventions as critical to building Nigeria’s knowledge economy and driving measurable national development.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, in Abuja, last week, where the association also presented him with the FAN award of excellence in recognition of his outstanding performance in public service and unwavering support for female architects.
Speaking on behalf of the association, FAN chairman, Ene Agada, said TETFund has emerged as a major catalyst for research, innovation and human capital development through its continued support for tertiary education.
“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.
Agada said FAN was seeking a strategic partnership with the Fund to leverage research and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, promoting sustainable construction and strengthening professional capacity within the built environment.
She identified affordable, climate-responsive housing, green building, mentorship, continuous professional development and international knowledge exchange as priority areas where the association’s expertise aligns with TETFund’s mandate.
According to her, the collaboration would promote applied research, prototype development and practical solutions capable of improving housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
Responding, Echono said TETFund’s National Research Fund (NRF) provides opportunities that extend beyond the Fund’s traditional beneficiary institutions of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
He explained that while TETFund’s statutory interventions primarily target tertiary institutions, the National Research Fund supports research and innovation from a broader range of contributors through collaborative partnerships.
“The National Research Fund is intended to promote, facilitate and activate research and innovation efforts regardless of where they originate. We structure the grants to encourage partnerships around major research that can address national challenges,” he said.
The Executive Secretary announced that TETFund would host a National Research Fair at Eagle Square, Abuja, in November, where researchers, innovators and inventors from across the country would showcase solutions capable of driving national development.
He disclosed that calls for entries would be advertised nationwide before the end of the month, with an online platform opened to receive submissions.
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Echono challenged architects to become more active in research, particularly in developing locally sourced building materials capable of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports.
He observed that although some architects have established successful businesses in products such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, the country still imports a significant proportion of its construction materials.
“We are still importing almost everything used in construction, including doors, windows and several building components. Research into locally available building materials can transform the construction industry, retain wealth within the country and create millions of jobs,” he said.
He urged architects and other built environment professionals to take advantage of TETFund’s research grants to develop innovative solutions that address national development priorities.
Echono also highlighted affordable housing as another area where collaboration between TETFund and FAN could deliver tangible results.
He revealed that the Fund’s staff housing scheme has been affected by the rising cost of construction, making affordable housing research increasingly important.
“If architects, particularly the Female Architects of Nigeria, can develop cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing housing solutions and have workable partnership frameworks, we will be willing to explore such collaborations,” he said.
The TETFund boss further identified green buildings, energy efficiency and climate-responsive construction as strategic areas where both organisations could jointly promote research and innovation.
However, he clarified that sponsorship for international conferences and overseas training remains limited to staff of TETFund and its beneficiary institutions in line with the Fund’s statutory mandate.
He added that the Fund already supports continuous professional development for its staff, including architects, who are encouraged to participate annually in accredited programmes organised by professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and other recognised organisations.
Earlier, Agada said FAN believes a structured partnership with TETFund would produce education-driven and community-centred outcomes through research, innovation, mentorship and practical tools that improve housing delivery and sustainable building practices.
She proposed the establishment of a joint working framework to identify funding opportunities, develop flagship research projects and strengthen collaboration between academia and professionals in the built environment.
The visit underscored TETFund’s growing role not only as a funding agency for tertiary education but also as a key driver of research, innovation and knowledge-based solutions aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
