The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has approved the establishment of the School of Architectural Technicians in Abuja. The new facility aims to train skilled technicians in architecture and enhance the capacity of professionals in the built environment.
In a statement, the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) confirmed that the school is located in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The school will focus on providing high-quality education and hands-on training in architectural technology. It aims to prepare skilled professionals to contribute to Nigeria’s growing architectural and construction sectors.
During a recent tour of the facility, ARCON President, Oladipupo Ajayi, praised Dangiwa’s commitment to improving the architectural profession. He noted that the Minister, as a professional in the built environment, has demonstrated a passion for tackling building collapse in Nigeria by ensuring the continuous training of architectural technicians and other related professionals.
Ajayi emphasized the council’s intention to establish a curriculum that aligns with industry standards regulated by ARCON, offering skill acquisition opportunities in the built environment. He added that the facility will enroll 200 students in its first academic year and discussions with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) are underway to secure accreditation.
“This centre is key to determining the standards of knowledge and skills required for members of the architectural profession,” Ajayi stated.
He further explained that the centre is equipped with offices, classrooms, workshops, seminar rooms, hostels, and other necessary facilities to provide a conducive learning environment. The curriculum will include a diploma in architectural technology, certificate programs in building information modeling, project management, sustainable architecture, and construction management. Additionally, short courses in masonry, plumbing, electrical installations, and other hands-on skills will be offered.
ARCON Registrar, Sule Utopa, highlighted the need for the school as the construction industry continues to evolve with advances in technology. Council member, Prof. Sati Yohana, commended Dangiwa and the federal government for their vision in establishing the centre, noting that it will significantly improve the training of middle-level professionals in architecture and construction.
“This training centre will be a game changer for the sector, and when it fully takes off, it will expose trainees to the latest trends in architecture, contributing to the overall development of the built environment,” Yohana concluded.