In a significant advancement for architectural education in Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) has partnered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) to launch a School of Architectural Technicians (SAT) in Abuja.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, an architect himself, has authorized the use of facilities for this initiative, with the aim of elevating architectural standards and improving quality within the construction industry. The school will be situated in the peaceful area of Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory.
Dangiwa shared his enthusiasm for the undertaking, emphasizing that it will offer high-quality education and practical training in architectural technology. This initiative is designed to develop skills in the built environment and prepare technicians who can make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s growing architectural and construction fields.
In a recent visit to the facility alongside council members, ARCON President Chief Oladipupo Ajayi commended Dangiwa’s dedication to enhancing the built environment. “This facility has long been viewed as a key to raising standards. Minister Dangiwa’s commitment to addressing building collapses in Nigeria is clearly reflected in his actions. As a professional in this sector, he is truly invested in its advancement,” Ajayi commented.
Plans are in motion for a curriculum that will align with industry standards set by ARCON, emphasizing skill acquisition in the built environment. The facility is expected to enroll 200 students in its inaugural academic year, with ongoing discussions with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) focused on accreditation and certification.
Ajayi also highlighted that the center will offer continuing professional development (CPD) programs for current industry practitioners, aligning these efforts with ARCON’s mission to establish standards for the knowledge and skills essential for future architectural professionals.
“The timing of this approval could not be more critical. As Nigeria’s urbanization grows and infrastructure projects expand, there is a substantial demand for skilled architectural technicians,” he added.
The center’s facilities will include offices, classrooms, workshops, seminar rooms, student housing, a restaurant, a power house complete with a generator, and all necessary furniture and equipment.
Educational offerings will comprise diplomas in architectural technology, certificate courses in Building Information Modeling (BIM), project management, sustainable architecture, and construction management. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to enroll in short courses covering practical skills such as masonry, plumbing, electrical installations, tiling, and plaster of Paris (POP) installations.
Sule Utopa, the registrar of ARCON, emphasized the importance of establishing this school in light of the industry’s rapid progress in construction technology. Architect (Prof.) Sati Yohana, another council member, expressed his approval of the initiative and praised Dangiwa’s commitment to advancing architecture through the center.
“This center is being realized as part of the shared vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, spearheaded by Minister Dangiwa,” Yohana stated. “It aims to train local individuals, equipping them with practical, middle-level skills. Our instructors will come from both industry backgrounds and academia.”
He concluded by stating, “This training center is set to be a transformative force in the built environment, ultimately benefiting the field of architecture once it opens its doors. By providing trainees with exposure to current industry trends, ARCON will profoundly impact society.”
