Echono Urges Female Architects To Lead Research On Local Building Materials, Affordable Housing
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has urged architects, particularly female professionals, to spearhead research aimed at tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit and reducing dependence on imported building materials.
Echono made the call on Friday while receiving the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) during a courtesy visit to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja.
He said the Fund was ready to support innovative research that would produce affordable, climate responsive and aesthetically pleasing housing solutions.
He explained that TETFund’s National Research Fund, initially designed for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, had been expanded to accommodate 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.
According to him, the Fund is structured to strengthen research, encourage partnerships and ensure innovative ideas are translated into practical solutions for national development.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s reliance on imported construction materials, Echono said nearly 80 percent of building materials used in the country are sourced from abroad, describing the trend as unsustainable.
While acknowledging improvements in the local production of items such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, he noted that Nigeria still imports critical building components, including doors and windows.
“Research into locally sourced and available building materials will transform our building industry, retain wealth within the country and create millions of jobs for our people,” he said.
He encouraged FAN members and other professionals in the built environment to take advantage of TETFund’s research support to develop homegrown solutions for the construction sector.
Echono also announced that TETFund would host a National Research Fair in November at Eagle Square, Abuja, inviting architects and researchers to showcase innovative projects.
Earlier, FAN Chairperson, Arc. Ene Agada, commended Echono for his contributions to education and research, presenting him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his support for public service and female architects.
She said FAN remained committed to promoting excellence in architecture through women’s empowerment, sustainable housing, environmental stewardship and social inclusion.
Agada also acknowledged TETFund’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy through investments in education, research and capacity development.
“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 collaboration with TETFund in areas where the expertise of its members aligns 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,” Agada said.
