By Felix Khanoba
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has challenged architects, particularly women in the profession, to spearhead research aimed at addressing Nigeria’s housing shortage through the development of locally sourced building materials.
Echono made the call on Friday while receiving the leadership of the Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN) during a courtesy visit to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja. He reaffirmed the Fund’s readiness to support research and innovation capable of producing affordable, attractive and climate-friendly housing solutions.
According to him, TETFund’s National Research Fund has evolved beyond supporting research within universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, with its scope now widened to accommodate innovative research from across all sectors of society.
“Basically, that fund is intended to promote, to facilitate, to activate all research and innovation efforts regardless of source,” he said.
He explained that the initiative was designed to strengthen the intellectual foundation of research while fostering partnerships that would transform research findings into practical solutions for Nigeria’s development challenges.
Echono expressed concern over the country’s continued reliance on imported construction materials, noting that close to 80 per cent of materials used in the building sector are sourced from abroad.
Although he acknowledged improvements in the local production of materials such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, he observed that Nigeria still depends heavily on imports for essential components including doors and windows.
“Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry if we are able and will retain the wealth in this country and will create millions of jobs for our people,” Echono said.
He encouraged members of FAN and other professionals in the built environment to take advantage of TETFund’s research support to develop innovative solutions that would strengthen the nation’s construction industry.
The TETFund boss also disclosed that the Fund would host a National Research Fair at Abuja’s Eagle Square in November, urging architects to participate by exhibiting research-driven innovations and technologies.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc. Ene Agada, praised Echono for his contributions to education, research and national development, presenting him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his support for female architects and his distinguished public service.
Agada said the association remained committed to promoting excellence in architecture through women’s empowerment, sustainable housing delivery, environmental responsibility 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 said.
She noted that FAN was seeking a strategic partnership with TETFund in areas where the association’s professional expertise aligns with the Fund’s objectives.
“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,” Agada stated.
