The Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) has applauded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its sustained commitment to education, research and capacity development, describing the agency’s interventions as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy and delivering measurable national development.

The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the association to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, in Abuja last week. During the visit, FAN presented Echono with its Award of Excellence in recognition of what it described as his outstanding public service and continued support for female architects.

Speaking on behalf of the association, FAN Chairman, Ene Agada, said TETFund has become a key driver of research, innovation and human capital development through its consistent investments in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

“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 explained that FAN is seeking a strategic partnership with TETFund to harness research and innovation in tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit, promoting sustainable construction practices and enhancing professional capacity across the built environment.

She identified affordable, climate-responsive housing, green building initiatives, mentorship, continuous professional development and international knowledge exchange as priority areas where the association’s expertise aligns with TETFund’s mandate.

According to her, such collaboration would encourage applied research, prototype development and practical solutions capable of improving housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

Responding, TETFund Executive Secretary Arc. Sonny Echono said the Fund’s National Research Fund (NRF) offers opportunities that extend beyond its traditional beneficiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

He noted that while the agency’s statutory interventions primarily support tertiary institutions, the National Research Fund is structured to accommodate research and innovation from a wider 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.

Echono also announced plans for TETFund to host a National Research Fair at Eagle Square, Abuja, in November. The event will bring together researchers, innovators and inventors from across Nigeria to showcase solutions capable of driving national development.

He disclosed that nationwide calls for entries would be issued before the end of the month, while an online portal would be launched to receive submissions.

The TETFund boss urged architects to play a more active role in research focused on developing locally sourced building materials that could reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported construction products.

He observed that although some architects have established successful businesses producing items such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, the country continues to import a substantial 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.

Echono encouraged architects and other professionals within the built environment to leverage TETFund’s research grants in developing innovative solutions that address national development priorities.

He also identified affordable housing as another area where collaboration between TETFund and FAN could produce meaningful outcomes.

According to him, the Fund’s staff housing scheme has been affected by rising construction costs, making research into affordable housing solutions 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 Executive Secretary further highlighted green buildings, energy efficiency and climate-responsive construction as strategic areas where TETFund and FAN could jointly advance research and innovation.

However, he clarified that sponsorship for international conferences and overseas training remains restricted to TETFund staff and personnel from beneficiary institutions, in line with the agency’s statutory mandate.

Echono added that TETFund 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 reiterated that FAN believes a structured partnership with TETFund would deliver education-driven and community-focused outcomes through research, innovation, mentorship and practical tools that improve housing delivery and sustainable building practices.

She proposed establishing a joint working framework that would identify funding opportunities, develop flagship research projects and strengthen collaboration between academia and professionals in the built environment.

The visit further reinforced TETFund’s expanding role beyond financing tertiary education, positioning the agency as a major catalyst for research, innovation and knowledge-based solutions aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Source: The Sun