The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, has called on Nigerian architects, particularly female professionals, to spearhead research and innovation aimed at tackling the nation’s housing deficit and reducing reliance on imported building materials.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria, FAN, to the Fund’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting research that delivers affordable, aesthetically appealing, and climate-responsive housing solutions.
He disclosed that the National Research Fund, NRF, administered by TETFund, has been expanded beyond universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to accommodate innovative research from all segments of society.
“The fund is designed to promote, facilitate, and stimulate research and innovation efforts, regardless of their source,” Echono said.
According to him, the expanded research framework is intended to deepen intellectual contributions to national development while fostering partnerships capable of translating research findings into practical solutions for Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Echono expressed concern over the country’s continued dependence on imported construction materials, revealing that nearly 80 per cent of building materials used in Nigeria are sourced from abroad.
While acknowledging progress in the local production of materials such as tiles, granite, and electrical cables, he noted that Nigeria still imports several critical building components, including doors and windows.
“Research into locally sourced building materials has the potential to transform our construction industry. It will help retain wealth within the country, stimulate local manufacturing, and create millions of jobs for Nigerians,” he said.
He urged members of FAN and other stakeholders in the built environment to take advantage of TETFund’s research funding opportunities to develop homegrown solutions capable of strengthening the nation’s construction sector.
Echono also announced that TETFund will host a National Research Fair at Eagle Square, Abuja, in November, inviting architects and other innovators to showcase groundbreaking research and technological innovations.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc. Ene Agada, commended Echono for his contributions to education, research, and national development, presenting him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding public service and sustained support for female architects.
Agada said the association remains committed to promoting excellence in architecture through women empowerment, sustainable housing delivery, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.
She acknowledged TETFund’s critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy through strategic investments in education, research, and capacity development.
“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 national development outcomes,” she said.
Agada further expressed the association’s readiness to partner with TETFund in areas where the expertise, professional networks, and technical capacity of its members align with the Fund’s mandate.
“It is in the spirit of partnership, shared vision, and national 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 the Fund’s mandate and funding instruments,” she added.
