Ahmed Dangiwa Approves Establishment of Architecture School in Abuja

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has given approval for the establishment of a School of Architectural Technicians aimed at training technicians in architecture in Abuja. This development was announced by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), which stated that the school is situated in the Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory.

According to ARCON, the new school will provide high-quality education and hands-on training in architectural technology, thereby boosting capacity development in the built environment. The goal is to equip skilled technicians who can contribute to Nigeria's expanding architectural and construction industries.

During a recent tour of the facility, ARCON President Oladipupo Ajayi praised Minister Dangiwa for his support in advancing the architecture profession and the built environment. Ajayi highlighted the minister’s dedication to addressing issues such as building collapses in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of training and retraining professionals in the field.

Ajayi also noted that the council plans to implement a curriculum that meets industry standards regulated by ARCON and will offer comprehensive skill acquisition programs in the built environment. The facility is set to enroll 200 students in its inaugural academic year, with accreditation and certification in progress through the National Board for Technical Education.

The centre will focus on professional development for industry practitioners and will help ensure that those entering the architectural profession meet the required standards of knowledge and skills. Ajayi stressed the timeliness of the approval, as Nigeria’s growing urbanization and infrastructure development demands more skilled architectural technicians.

The facility boasts a range of amenities, including offices, classrooms, workshops, seminar rooms, hostels, a restaurant, and a powerhouse equipped with a generator. The school will offer diploma courses in architectural technology and certificate programs in areas such as building information modeling, project management, sustainable architecture, and construction management. There will also be short courses in practical skills like masonry, plumbing, electrical installations, and more.

ARCON’s Registrar, Sule Utopa, underscored the necessity of the school, pointing out the rapid advancements in construction technology. Meanwhile, council member Prof. Sati Yohana expressed his excitement about the centre, commending Minister Dangiwa for his commitment to enhancing the architecture sector.

Yohana also emphasized that the centre reflects the vision of President Bola Tinubu's administration and Minister Dangiwa’s efforts in boosting the architectural profession. He explained that the centre will serve as a vital hub for middle-level trainees in the sector, exposing them to modern trends and contributing to the overall improvement of architecture and society.

In his concluding remarks, Yohana referred to the training centre as a potential "game changer" for the built environment, noting the significant positive impact it is expected to have on the industry and the broader society.