KEY WORDS:

Architectural Education, Practice, Nigeria

Architectural Education and

Practice in Nigeria

Kingsley O. Dimuna Tekton

Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017
pp. 8 - 23

Kingsley O. Dimuna is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University,
Ekpoma, Nigeria. He is a 1991 graduate of Bendel State University, Ekpoma and holds a [Link]., [Link].
and Ph.D. degrees in Architecture. He is a fully registered Architect with Architects Registration
Council of Nigeria (ARCON). He is a full member of both Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and
Association of Architectural Educators (AARCHES). He is a recipient of several awards among which
are Imo State Government University Scholarship for academic excellence and best overall candidate
in ARCON/NIA Professional Competence Examination in March 2007. He served the Institute as a member of the
NIA Board of Architectural Education. He is currently a member of ARCON Education Committee and has been a
co-ordinator of Ekpoma Zone of Edo State chapter of NIA. He has to his credit many publications in both local and
International journals.

kodimuna@[Link]

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the challenges of architectural education and practice in Nigeria. It further
examines employment opportunities available to the architect. The paper identifies problems
confronting architectural education and practice such as: inadequate practical education of architects
to face the professional challenges ahead, lack of public awareness of the architect’s role and
responsibilities, lack of passion for the profession by some of the professionals, dearth of commissions,
erosion and encroachment on the profession by non architects etc. The paper relied on secondary
data. The paper opines that architecture is a noble and challenging profession that should not be left
in the hands of charlatans and quacks. The paper recommends strategies such as educating the public,
implementing the extant laws, regulating the profession in Nigeria, acquisition of more practical
knowledge by architects to play their proper role in the building industry.

8 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

Introduction profession has been seriously encroached upon
The word ‘architect’ is derived from the Greek by other professionals and non professionals.
word arkhitekton which meant ‘master-builder’
implying a broad background of knowledge The problem of architectural education and
in planning, design and construction, as well practice in Nigeria can be identified as follows:
as the arts. Architecture may thus be defined • Poor appreciation of the architect’s role by
not as a discipline per-se but as an umbrella the public
of related disciplines. It has been recognized • Non-engagement of architects in many
as the ‘mother of all arts’– a description that projects
now seems to be something from the past • Inadequate practical education of architects
(Meir, 2008). The architect was supposed be an • Quackery in the profession
artist, a technologist, a designer, an economist, • Lack of passion by the professionals
planner and a builder.
This paper examines the challenges of
By the 19th century and especially due to the architectural education and practice in Nigeria.
Industrial Revolution, processes of construction This is with the view of identifying the pitfalls
became sophisticated leading to separation facing the profession and articulate measures
of roles and creating many specialized fields to ameliorate them. The paper examines the
of knowledge. Architecture became a subject current architectural education and curriculum
of academic study in the university. There of the schools of architectural in Nigeria; see
emerged specialists in areas such as- builder where the gaps are and make suggestions.
for management of construction process, The paper also looks at the employment
quantity surveyor for cost estimation, opportunities for the architect and addresses
structural engineer for sophisticated structural the challenges of quackery and lack of passion
designs, and others responsible for placement in the profession.
of mechanical and electrical installations.
This role of separation even extended to Architectural Education
persons known as surveyors and planners Architectural education is the process by
who undertook preliminary tasks of planning which architects (architectural educators) elicit
prior to the commencement of the design and desired behavioral patterns on the parts of the
construction task proper (Olotuah, 2002). initiates (students). The training enables the
students to posses the knowledge of science
In spite of this role separation of various and art of building design, construction,
specializations, all over the world, the architect supervision and development of human
continued to be recognized as the central environment (Dimuna, 2009).
figure in the building industry without whose
initiative in design and specifications there In architecture, education enables the students
would not arise any need for the impact of to acquire skills necessary for the challenges of
other professionals in the first place (Uji, the profession and it inculcates in the student
2011). But in Nigeria today, the architectural certain ways of thinking and solving practical

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 9

Kingsley O. Dimuna

architectural problems. This is very necessary control, including the energies manifestation
because while talent may be inborn, skills must of heat, light and sound.
be learnt. There are ways of doing things in • The human science (humanities) including
architecture which must be taught first and behavioural, cultural, sociological and
respected (Oruwari, 1988). The architectural historical studies.
education must prepare the students • The normative sciences (or the arts) which
adequately for the challenges ahead in their give form in different value system related
chosen profession. Chendo (1991) states that an to the beautiful, the good and the true (i.e.
architect is always the product of his education. aesthetics, ethics and logic).

The education of the architect has long Relevance of Education for Practice
been articulated by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio Vitruvius thus recommended that the architect
in his treatise- The Ten Books on Architecture- a should be equipped with knowledge of
compendium of the essential architectural many branches of study and varied kinds of
knowledge that was extant during the learning, for it is by architect’s judgment that
first century BCE. Vitruvius gave serious all work done by the other arts is put to test.
thought to the education of the architect and This knowledge is the child of practices and
advocated thus: theory. Practice is the continuous and regular
“let him be educated, skillful with the exercises of employment where manual work
pencil, instructed in geometry, know much is done with any necessary materials to gain
history, have followed the philosophers skills. Theory, on the other hand, is the ability
with attention, understand music, have to demonstrate and explain the production of
some knowledge of medicine, know the dexterity on the principles of science or art.
opinions of jurists, and be acquainted with
astronomy and theory of the heavens.” It follows, therefore, that architects who have
-Vitruvius, On Architecture aimed at acquiring manual skills without
scholarship have never been able to reach
Architecture till today appears to be one of a position of authority to respond to their
the disciplines that derives its existence from pains, while those who relied upon theory
all the spheres of the learning process. It is, at and scholarship were obviously hunting the
once, a science, an art and a key component shadow, not the substance. But those who have
in the environment, drawing its essence from a thorough knowledge of both like men armed
the humanities. This is the uniqueness of at all points, have sooner attained their objective
the discipline of architecture (Uji, 2011). This and carried authority with them. It appears, then,
reinforces the position of Vitruvius when he that one who professes himself as an architect
associated architecture with the understanding should be well versed in both directions.
of the following:
• The physical sciences, especially those In summary, an architect ought to be an
concerned with understanding of the nature educated person so as to leave a more lasting
of materials, structure, environmental remembrance in their work. He/ she must

10 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

 Architectural Education and Practice in Nigeria

Figure 1: Studio Environment at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria.

have knowledge of drawing or geometry to graduate of architecture in Nigeria as follows:

readily make sketches of proposals. A wide • Ability to analyze design problems,
knowledge of history is a requisite to explain synthesise various elements and provide
the underlying ideas of the work. As for solutions.
philosophy, it makes an architect just, honest • Ability to understand the need of his client
and without avariciousness. This is very and users of the built environment and
cater for these.
These expectations are high and
• Ability to produce appropriate
demand that an architect must be
and imaginative solutions that are
well equipped for the challenges of
technologically sound, economically
the profession. But unfortunately in
feasible, environmentally acceptable and
Nigeria today, particularly in Edo State
aesthetically relevant.
many people claim to be architects
• Ability to grasp the practical and legal
and assume responsibility of an
implications to his proposals and the
architect without possessing the
impacts on users and the public at large.
requisite qualification or knowledge.
• Ability to communicate his proposal in
important, for no work can be rightly done the appropriate medium to his clients, the
without honesty and incorruptibility. The public and members of the building team.
architect should be a person of integrity and
have dignity by cherishing a good reputation. These expectations are high and demand that
The architect should have knowledge of the an architect must be well equipped for the
study of medicine on account of the question of challenges of the profession. But unfortunately
climate, air, and healthiness of dwellings. And in Nigeria today, particularly in Edo State
as for principles of law, he should know the many people claim to be architects and assume
importance of all the prevailing building laws. responsibility of an architect without possessing
the requisite qualification or knowledge.
The National University Commission of Nigeria Chukwali (1990) states that anybody who offers
(NUC, 2006) listed as its expectations of a services and claims expertise for what he is

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 11

Kingsley O. Dimuna

Instructional Modules Percentage Distribution

A Architectural Planning and Design 29.16%

B Communication Skills 5.56%
C History and Theoretical Studies 13.19%
D Building construction Technology 24.60%
E Humanities 3.17%
F Environmental Control Systems 7.14%

G Physical Sciences 8.73%

H Management Studies 9.13%
TOTAL 100%

Table 1: Instructional Modules and Percentage Distribution Source: NUC handbook (2006)

doing has a responsibility first to himself, Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and National
second to his client and third to the society. University Commission (NUC) guidelines. In
This is even more important in architecture addition, after graduation, it is mandatory
to acquire practical experience during two
The departments of architecture in
years of tutelage as a pre-qualification for the
Nigerian Universities run two-tier
Professional Competence Examination.
programmes of [Link]. or [Link] and
[Link]. Arch or [Link] architecture
The curriculum of each department of
degrees with 4 or 5 years and 2 years
architecture usually draws courses from the
duration respectively. In addition,
eight core instructional modules as set by
after graduation, it is mandatory to
ARCON and NUC. Students are equally exposed
acquire practical experience during
to on the job training through the Students
two years of tutelage as a pre-
Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)
qualification for the Professional
programme. The curriculum is segmented into
Competence Examination.
the core courses, the pre-requite courses, the
where errors in design or construction of required courses and the elective courses. For
buildings remain visible and permanent. purpose of clarity, the eight main areas of study
or instructional Modules are shown in table 1.
The Architectural Curriculum in Nigeria
The departments of architecture in Nigerian The curriculum of any department of
Universities run two-tier programmes of [Link]. architecture in a Nigerian university is
or [Link] and [Link]. Arch or [Link] architecture expected to be in line with ARCON and
degrees with 4 or 5 years and 2 years duration NUC recommended eight core instructional
respectively in line with Architects Registration modules. The tables 2 & 3 reflect clearly the

12 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

 Architectural Education and Practice in Nigeria

[Link]. (Arch) [Link] (Arch)

Module Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Total Total
Credit Credits
Units in 2 -Tier
System
A. Architectural
Design -- 6 +6 6 +8 6 +7 7 +8 6 +6 66 66
B. Arts And
Drawings 4+4 - - - - - - - - - - 8 16
C. Historical and
Theoretical Studies 3+5 2+2 2+2 - - 2+ - 3 21 24
D. Building System
& Technology - - 6 +6 4 +4 6+9 5+2 5+- 47 40
E. Humanities &
Social Studies 2+2 2+ 2 - - 2+ - - - - - 10 14
F. Environmental
Control System 2+ - - - 4+2 - - - - - - 8 20
G. Physical Science 7+7 2+ 2 - - - - - - - - 18 20
H. Management
Studies and
Electives
- - - - 2+ 2 4+2 3+3 3+3 22 22
TOTAL 18+18 18+18 18+18 18+18 15 + 15 14 + 12 200 200

Table 2: Distribution of Courses by Semester: NUC course requirement for [Link]. and [Link]. architecture degrees, Source: NUC
handbook (2006)

instruction module as recommended by the philosophy of individual department of

regulatory bodies. architecture varies from one another. Each
department has her own aims and objectives
The mission of the discipline of architecture that generally reflect their overall philosophy,
is to produce quality professionals who clearly but which are specifically dictated by peculiar
understand the complex relationship between factors surrounding their location and vision of
human beings and the built environment, and the university towards achieving her mission.
who aspire to obtain excellence in designed For instance, the Department of Architecture
and management of resources in the built of Ambrose Alli University has her philosophy
environment for the greatest benefit of the users. as “Towards Enhancing the Tropical Built
Environment”, while that of University of Jos is,
While philosophy of the discipline of architecture “Creation of Harmony between Architecture and
is attainment and sustenance of harmony and Culture”. There is a need for a strong relationship
equilibrium in the built and natural environment, between philosophy and curriculum.

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 13

Kingsley O. Dimuna

Module-1 Module-2 Module-3 Module-4

Arch. Design/ facilities Communication Historical Historical Construction
design Skills & Theoretical Technolgy
Studies

1. Introduction to 1. Free hand drawing 1. History of Architecture 1. Building Materials

architecture

2. Architectural design 2. Architectural design 2. African Traditional 2. Building Construction

Architecture

3. Live project 3. Live modeling 3. Japanese Architecture 3. Building Structures

4. Urban design 4. Photography 4. Islamic Architecture 4. Advanced Architectural

Structures

5. Landscape design 5. Painting 5. Chinese Architecture 5. Architectural Frames

6. Site Planning 6. Mosaic mural design 6. Indian Architecture 6. Plants Equipment

7. Housing design 7. Sculpture 7. History of Humans 7. Land Surveying Photo-

grammetry

8. Interior design 8. Ceramics & glass design 8. History of Western 8. Theory of Structure
Architecture

9. Rural development & 9. Life drawing 9. Theory of Architecture 9. Working Drg & De-
planning tailing

10. Industrial building 10. Industrial building 10. Pre-Colonial urbanism 10. Specification writing
design design in Africa

11. Public & Institute 11. Wood work 11. Restoration & 11. Components & Meth-
building design preservation ods

12. Furniture design 12. Metal work 12. Art History 12. Building Maintenance

13. Computer application 13. Descriptive geometry 13. Architectural 13. Building Technology
Philosophy

14. Textile design 14. Comp. studies of Built

Environment

15. Scale & proportions 15. Evolution of Planning

Thought

16. Nigerian Tradnl

Architecture and
Settlements

17. Mayan & Aztec

Architecture

18. Japanese Gardens

Table 3: Instructional Modules and Percentage Distribution

Source: NUC handbook (2006)

14 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

 Architectural Education and Practice in Nigeria

Module-5 Module-6 Module-7 Module-8

Humanities Environmental Control Physical Sciences Management
System Studies

1. Research Methods 1. Urban Climatology 1. Mathematics 1. Planning

Principle & Practice

2. Elements of Economic 2. Environment Planning 2. Geography 2. Tendering

3. Elements of Sociology 3. Environment Science 3. Physics 3. Real Estate Management

4. African Societies 4. Building Climatology 4. Introduction to 4. Building Quantities &

Computer Methods Costing

5. Philosophy 5. Air-Conditioning, 5. Computer 5. Building Economics

refrigeration Application

6. History of Technology 6. Natural & Artificial 6. Statistical Methods 6. Contract

Lighting Law and Arbitration

7. Art Education 7. Acoustics & Noise 7. Geology 7. Project

Control

8. Anthropology 8. Environment Resource [Link] Mechanics 8. Contract Administration

Management

9. Psychology of 9. Environment Impact 9. Strength of Materials 9. Professional Practice and

perception Assessment procedure

10. Human Spatial 10. Services in Buildings 10. Probability Theory 10. Site Management
Morphology

11. Development Eco- 11. Water Supply & 11. Computer 11. Project Management
nomics Drainage Programming

12. People & Culture of 12. Electricity & Gas 12. Mechanics 12. Feasibility & Visibility
Africa supply studies

13. Symbolic Logic 13. Natural & Artificial [Link] [Link]

Ventilation Policies Codes
& Regulation

[Link] 14. Horticulture & 14. Analytical Studies 14. Business Studies
Gardening

15. Structure of Rural 15. Pollution Control 15. Calculus

communities

16. Nigerian History 16. Public Health [Link]

Engineering

17. Economic History of 17. Traffic Engineering 17. Material Science

Africa

18. Traditional Industries 18. Disaster Control & 18. Cartography

Management

19. Use of English 19. Geology of Nigeria

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 15

Kingsley O. Dimuna

Employment Opportunities patronage by governments. The situation is

Good buildings matter, they are the family even worse now because most governments
silver of a society and they are the tools with understand infrastructural development
which we have always provided safe and from the perspective of road construction.
civilized settlements throughout history. At Most architectural firms especially in Benin
best they offer dignity, quality of life and City depend only on patronage from individual
security (Roaf, 2008). The development patterns developers and practices subsistence architecture.
in Abuja and lately Benin City, since the Architectural firms are usually more successful
architects started making impacts in the design through government commissions. Many firms
and development of new layouts especially in find it difficult to employ many architects. Many
the New GRA extensions will appreciate this of the young architects prefer to be on ‘their
own’ even when they are not fully qualified as
For many years, the private
architects. The reason for this is because many
architectural firms were the greatest
young architects are impatient and want better
employers of young graduate
pay, neither ready to make sacrifices nor
architects. The situation is no longer
willing to crawl before walking. This has been
so due to dearth of commissions and
made possible because the major uniqueness
poor patronage by governments. Most
of architecture is its entrepreneurial nature, as
architectural firms especially in Benin
it equips its graduates to become job creators
City depend only on patronage from
rather than job seekers. It is not surprising
individual developers and practices
therefore that architecture has traditionally
subsistence architecture.
remained the first choice of applicants seeking
assertion. Only the trained architect is capable tertiary professional education (alongside
of, and who has the capacity to move forward medicine) in the applied science. This
to face the challenges of the 21st century to advantage should not be abused.
build a safer and better world with better
buildings and built environments to keep us The 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria were
all safe in the uncertain decade ahead, while expected to employ a minimum of one architect
promoting quality, comfort and the dignity of in their Development Control Department, which
the people around the world. is supposed to be multi-disciplinary in nature. This
presupposes that each state Development Control
The architects are employed in many sectors Department should compose of Town Planners,
of the building industry and public services Architects, and Civil Engineers for effective
such as academia, civil and public services, monitoring of physical development.
banks and mortgage institutions and estate
departments and in private architectural firms. Policy Implications
For many years, the private architectural Here we discuss some of the identified problems
firms were the greatest employers of young confronting architectural education and
graduate architects. The situation is no longer practice and their implications on the state of
so due to the dearth of commissions and poor affairs in Nigeria.

16 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

 Architectural Education and Practice in Nigeria

Need for Understanding of the Architect’s times confuse his role with that of the
Role by the Public architect. The evolution of the practice of
The role and place of every profession in any architecture in Nigeria since 1960 when
given society is determined by the extent the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) was
to which the society perceives the benefits formed has had its fair share of challenges.
At inception the architect was the de facto
Architects have not made a significant
head of the building team as it was supposed
impact on society as they should have
to be. However, over the years due largely
been given all the opportunities they
to the inaction of architects, the status of
have been given in the past. Some of
the profession has been diminished with
the challenges facing architecture today
other professionals in the building industry
especially the issue of quackery could
claiming to be able to lead the team. A new
be traced to the mistakes of the past.
term ‘project manager’ has been smuggled
Some Architects neither pay attention
in to replace the traditional managerial role
to details nor offer full services to the
of the architect as the head.
clients that would translate to direct or
long-term savings etc.
Architects have not made a significant impact
it derives from the services rendered. Even on society as they should have been given all
though it has been argued that the way a the opportunities they have been given in the
particular professional carries himself in past. Some of the challenges facing architecture
relation to the society has an impact on how today, especially the issue of quackery could
the society view him, it cannot be contested be traced to the mistakes of the past. Some
that it is what the society profits directly Architects neither pay attention to details nor
from such service that will influence them offer full services to the clients that would
more. Since society knows and understands translate to direct or long-term savings etc.
that the life of an individual could depend They have not always carried the client along
on the doctor or the medicine man, societies and taken time to understand his needs and
all over the ages have tended to revere the requirements so as to adequately proffer suitable
medical profession. With the evolution of solutions. Some architects still practice like
modern society with its coded laws, the the draughtsman. However, some architects
lawyer has become very important and have sought to carve a niche for themselves by
relevant in many societies. Any society that meeting the needs of their clients and society
takes it laws seriously looks up with a lot of and thus creating a direct impact.
respect to lawyers.
This is in contrast with what obtains in some
In Nigeria, the architect is one of the most countries. A very good example is the way a
misunderstood professionals (Oyekola, renowned architect Frank Gehry, used the
2007). Many people do not know the role design of the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum
of the architect. People understand the to revitalize that part of Spain. The museum
Engineer on the construction site and often almost single handedly transformed the

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 17

Kingsley O. Dimuna

world’s perception of Bilbao from a separatist Unfortunately in Nigeria, because the society
stronghold to a famous tourist destination. does not really understand what the architects
Over the years lots of cities following the
It is has become imperative for
example of Bilbao have had super star
the architect to re-establish the
architects design show pieces as a means of
privileges, duties and rights of an
revitalizing their communities and putting
architect in the community. This
them on the world map.
is very necessary as the general
public do not understand the role
Some communities have looked up to
of the architects, and in order to
architects for succor when there has been a
regain their position in the society.
disaster. Examples of these are Iran and Turkey
during the earth quakes, South East Asia during do, they cannot even complain, when
the Tsunami etc. The architects in America architects fail. The government is one of the
rose to proffer solutions to the disaster stricken biggest losers in this respect as it by its own
actions weakens the very structures it has set
Unfortunately in Nigeria, because
in place. The Federal Government by Decree
the society does not really
No. 10 of 1969 (Act 1990 No. 43) has set up
understand what the architects do,
the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria
they cannot even complain, when
(ARCON) to regulate the training, and practice
architects fail. The government is
of architecture in Nigeria. Under normal
one of the biggest losers in this
circumstances, only registered architects by
respect as it by its own actions
ARCON should practice as architects in Nigeria.
weakens the very structures it has
The role of ARCON among other things is to
set in place.
regulate the practice of architecture and be
areas of New Orleans in 2007. This was in line able to punish erring architects. Unfortunately
with the American Institute of Architects’ there have been many cases when government
(AIA) mission statement “service to society”. has given big commissions to unregistered
Today, the AIA is pursuing the Integrated architects especially those from foreign
Project Delivery initiative which focused on countries. Such actions send the wrong signals.
the goal of ecologically responsible design and
fully integrated project teams, which is for There is therefore, the need of public awareness
the benefits of the architects and the society of the functional roles of the architects and their
(Andrejko, 2008). These activities have made increasing roles in the building industry. An
them relevant in their respective societies. As a educated public appreciative of what is beautiful
result of this, they have become a strong lobby and recognizes what is ugly is essential to the
group in politics, taking part in various social growth and future of architecture.
discourses and thus playing their part in the
development of those societies. In the words of Figueiredo (1997), it is our
privilege to be in a position that influences
the environment, in which people live and

18 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

 Architectural Education and Practice in Nigeria

work. It is our duty to go back to our roots and ‘disposable Architecture’, environmental
develop built forms that respects tradition settlement or city planning chaos will bedevil
while enhancing living condition for the under our society as the city cannot function because
privileged majority. It is our right to contribute of congestion, flooding and disasters associated
to policy formulation at the highest level with them. According to Encyclopedia of
and be leaders in shaping the built form. It American Architecture, architectural design
has become imperative for the architect to is the creative process used to translate the
re-establish the privileges, duties and rights problems, needs and aspirations of potential
of an architect in the community. This is building owners and users into drawings and
very necessary as the general public do not other documents and eventually translate them
understand the role of the architects, and in into buildings. Architectural design also refers
order to regain their position in the society. to building design which Fredrick and Ambrose
(1989) defined as the process satisfying public
Need for Elimination of Quackery health, welfare and safety requirement.
Quackery is the activities of someone who
pretends to be a qualified person. Quackery Most of the problems experienced in our urban
encourages disposable architecture because and rural built environment can be attributed
without proper planning and design principles to poor building designs resulting in lack of day
and procedures, without proper costing, lighting and poor ventilation in some buildings,
lack of efficiency in planning and design,
Most of the problems experienced
uneconomic use of resources and poor project
in our urban and rural built
conceptualization leading to abandonment of
environment can be attributed to
building project (Dimuna, 2010). The reasons
poor building designs resulting
for these are not farfetched, firstly most of the
in lack of day lighting and poor
buildings are designed by non- architects such
ventilation in some buildings,
as draughtsman, builders, artists, surveyors,
lack of efficiency in planning
geographer cum-town planners, and staff of town
and design, uneconomic use
planning authority who parade as architects.
of resources and poor project
conceptualization leading to
Secondly, the inability of the wider society
abandonment of building project.
to recognize the importance of trained
management and budgeting, shoddy projects architects in the design and execution of
are carried out. These do not benefit our their building projects.
environment –our habitat, our pride as a
nation and a generation that is desirous at Thirdly, it could be that it was done by
bequeathing something to unborn ones. young architects who are supposed to be
on tutelage but chose to engage in illegal
Our buildings, our environment shows how practice, without fully comprehending the
we value our life hence we need to handle design processes and principles. These groups
them with utmost care. If architects practice of architects need to realize that no formal

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 19

Kingsley O. Dimuna

education can ever prepare a man for all qualification before registration could be done
the complexities, or practical problems that by a pretender or a quack with little or no
faces him in his profession. Experience in education in the discipline.

Young architects who are

Need for Passion for the profession
supposed to be on tutelage but
Passion is the emotional aspect of motivation.
chose to engage in illegal practice,
Very great professionals have passion for
without fully comprehending the
what they do. For an architect it could be
design process and principle.
passion for design, architecture and most
These groups of architects need
importantly the environment and the total
to realize that no formal education
environment – the world. Maritz (2008)
can ever prepare a man for all the
opines that if students cannot emerge from a
complexities, or practical problems
school of architecture with a conviction and
that faces him in his profession.
drive to change the world for the better that
live design projects, contract documentation, school has failed in its purpose.
tendering procedure and analysis, design report
writings, coordination of site meetings are When we have passion for our profession
better learnt in practice than in the university. and the environment, we would realize that
Unfortunately, most people do not realize that we have responsibilities to ourselves, our
as professional men and women, they have a profession, to our clients, end users of our
responsibility to their clients and to the society. designs and the society at large. We would
then practice our profession with integrity,
Fourthly, some building owners do not know dignity and would not collude with others
what they really want in their building and are to undermine our profession or professional
only interested in the cost of producing the bodies by encouraging quackery in whatever
building drawings and procurement approval. form, colluding with non architects to reap the
benefits of our profession while we continue
ARCON Act (1990 No. 43) states that a person in penury, collude to abuse the laws such as
shall not prepare or take full responsibility for ARCON Acts, Local Content Acts and others
the erection or commissioning of architectural designed to check-mate and protect our
building plans or practice or carry on profession. Architects should show interest in
business (other than having relevance to ship the effects and dangers of non compliance with
construction, or landscape or golf links) under building laws.
any name or style or title containing the word
“architect” unless he is a Nigerian citizen and Buildings are by far the largest consumer of
registered under this Act. It is very unfortunate energy, it therefore follows that the profession
that the responsibility of an architect who has inadvertently contributed to this present
spent six years in the university and acquired environmental crisis, and architects have the
Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture potential, indeed the responsibility to play a
and spent another minimum of two years post leadership role in discovering solutions that

20 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

 Architectural Education and Practice in Nigeria

make a positive difference in how we shape our an enlightened public is essential to the
future. The AIA’s Public Policy on Sustainability future growth of profession.
reads thus: “The creation and operation of the 5. It is has become imperative for the
built environment require an investment of the architect to re-establish the privileges,
Earth’s resources. Architects must be environmentally duties and rights of an architect in the
responsible and advocate for the sustainable use community. This is very necessary as the
of those resources.” The Nigerian Architects general public do not understand the role
Association should borrow a leaf from the of the architects in order to regain their
American Institute of Architects. position in the society.

Recommendations and Conclusion In conclusion, since the study of architecture

What the future holds in store for individual is so vast in extent, and enriched as it is
human beings and nations depends largely on with many different kinds of learning, this
the wisdom with which humans use science paper opines that no one have no right
and technology. That in turn, depends on the to profess themselves architects hastily,
character, distribution and effectiveness of the without acquiring the perquisite professional
education that people receive. knowledge and training of many arts and
1. There is need a to broaden and enrich the science, to reach the heights of architecture.
scope of architectural education through
more practical training. Practical training References:
helps young graduates of architecture Andrejko, S. (2008). Do Not Harm. Preparing the
become competent professionals. The Architecture Profession for the 21st Century, In
young architect must avail themselves Roaf, S. and Bairstow, A. (Eds). A Re-evaluation of
of these opportunities of tutelage, just as Education in Architecture (pp. 7-10). Southampton:
young medical doctors acquire practical WIT Press.
knowledge during the period of internship
(housemanship). Architects Registration Act, Chapter A19 (1990 No.43),
2. The state and the Local Government Areas The Laws of The Federation of Nigeria, 2004, p.3.
Development Control Department should
be made multi-disciplinary in line with Chendo, I.G. (1991). Architectural Education, the
Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992. Profession and Practice: The Crises, Conflicts and
This will lead to employment of more Controversies. Conference Proceeding of the Nigeria
architects in the civil service. Institute of Architects, 4-13.
3. There is an urgent need to domesticate the
National Building Code; and enforce extant Ckukwuali, C.B. (1990). Some Aspects of Architectural
laws such as the ARCON Act and Urban Education and their Implications on the Practice of
and Regional Planning Acts to protect the the Profession. Journal of the Association of Architectural
profession and the built environment. Education in Nigeria, 2(1), 12-23.
4. The general public must be educated
about the architecture profession, because

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 21

Kingsley O. Dimuna

Dimuna, K.O.(2000). The Role of the Architect in Roaf , S. (2008). Introduction to the 2008 Oxford
Community Development. Paper Presented at the Conference, In Roaf, S. and Bairstow, A. (Eds). A Re-
Quarterly Lecture of Optum Club, Benin City, 1-8. evaluation of Education in Architecture. Southampton:
WIT Press.
Dimuna, K.O. (2010). Architectural Design as a
Determinant of Housing Qualities. Architectural Digest Schenk, M. (2012). research/teaching/archeng2012/
Journal, 3(2), 15-17. handouts_ArchEng2012_Origami.pdf. Retrieved
December 2016, from [Link] http://
Dimuna, K.O. (2009). Architectural Education in [Link]
Nigeria – The Need for Tools and Content Appraisal.
Journal of Environmental Education, 2 (1), 25-34. Uji, Z.A. (2011). Conversion of Department of
Architecture in Institute of Higher Learning in
Figueiredo, A.M. (1997). Architecture Practice in Nigeria into Faculties: The Role of ARCON as the
the Next Millennium Rights, Privileges and Duties Regulatory Body. 4-10.
of the Architect in the Changing World. Paper
Presented at 1997 Biennial Conference of the
Nigeria Institute of Architects held in Kaduna 20th
-22nd of November, 1997.

Fredrick, S.N. and Ambrose, J.(1989). Building

Engineering and System Design, Vol 2. New York: Van
Nostrand Reinhold. p.4.

Maritz, N. (2008). One World Architecture .WIT Press,

Southampton: WIT Press.

Meir, I.A. (2008). Apology for Architecture. In Roaf,

S. and Bairstow, A. (Eds). A Re-evaluation of Education in
Architecture (pp. 33-36). Southampton: WIT Press.

National Universities Commissions (NUC, 2006):

Handbook.

Oruwari,Y. (1988). Part One Education in the

University. The Nigeria Institute of Architects Journal, 4(2),
29-31.

Olotuah, A.O. (2002). The Cross-road of Architectural

Education in Nigeria. Journal of Environmental
Technology, 1 (1&2), 44-49.

22 TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017

TEKTON: Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017 23