The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled a fresh strategy to tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit by supporting research into locally sourced building materials, warning that the country’s continued dependence on imported construction inputs was draining the economy and limiting job creation.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono said the Fund was ready to finance innovative research capable of producing affordable, climate-responsive and aesthetically appealing housing solutions, while urging architects, particularly female professionals, to take the lead in transforming Nigeria’s building industry.
Speaking when the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) paid him a courtesy visit at the Fund’s headquarters in Abuja, Echono lamented that about 80 per cent of building materials used in Nigeria are still imported despite the country’s vast natural resources.
He said the situation was unsustainable and called for home-grown solutions that would reduce import dependence, retain wealth within the country and stimulate employment.
According to him, TETFund has expanded access to its National Research Fund beyond universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to encourage groundbreaking ideas from every segment of society.
Echono said the Fund was deliberately repositioning research to solve practical national problems rather than remaining within academic circles
He said: “Basically, that fund is intended to promote, to facilitate, to activate all research and innovation efforts regardless of source.
“The Fund is structured to put intellectual content into major research works and to build partnerships that can translate research into practical solutions for national problems.”
The TETFund boss expressed concern that although Nigeria has recorded modest progress in the local production of materials such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, the country still imports several critical construction components.
He noted that doors, windows and many other essential building inputs are sourced from overseas, thereby increasing construction costs and weakening local manufacturing.
“Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry if we are able, will retain the wealth in this country and will create millions of jobs for our people.”
Echono challenged architects and other professionals in the built environment to take advantage of TETFund’s research support to develop indigenous alternatives capable of making housing more affordable for Nigerians.
The Executive Secretary also announced that TETFund would host a National Research Fair in November at Abuja, describing it as a platform for researchers and innovators to showcase solutions that could accelerate national development.
“We want architects and innovators to come and showcase what they have achieved through research because this is how we can solve Nigeria’s problems through knowledge and innovation,” he added.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc. Ene Agada, commended Echono for repositioning TETFund as a driver of research, innovation and capacity development.
She said the association was committed to advancing excellence in architecture through women empowerment, sustainable housing delivery, environmental protection 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 added that the visit was aimed at forging a strategic partnership with TETFund to harness the expertise of female architects in addressing national development challenges.
“It is, therefore, 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.”
In recognition of his contributions to education, research and public service, the association presented Echono with the FAN Award of Excellence, describing him as a strong advocate of innovation and women’s participation in national development.