The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has called on architects, particularly female professionals, to champion research and innovation aimed at tackling Nigeria’s housing deficit and reducing the country’s dependence on imported 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 said TETFund was committed to supporting research initiatives that would produce affordable, aesthetically appealing and climate-responsive housing solutions for Nigerians.

According to him, the Fund’s National Research Fund has evolved beyond supporting only universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, and now accommodates research and innovation from all sectors of society.

“Basically, that fund is intended to promote, facilitate and activate all research and innovation efforts regardless of source,” Echono said.

He explained that the Fund was designed to strengthen research through partnerships capable of translating innovative ideas into practical solutions for national development.

Expressing concern over Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported construction materials, Echono revealed that nearly 80 percent of building materials used in the country are sourced from abroad, describing the situation as unsustainable.

While acknowledging progress made in the local production of items such as tiles, granite and electrical cables, he noted that Nigeria still imports major construction components, including doors and windows.

“Research into locally sourced and available building materials is something that will help us transform our building industry. It will retain wealth within the country and create millions of jobs for our people,” he said.

The TETFund boss encouraged members of FAN and other professionals in the built environment to leverage the Fund’s research support to develop innovative solutions for the construction sector.

He also announced that TETFund would host a National Research Fair in November at Eagle Square, Abuja, where researchers, innovators and professionals would have the opportunity to showcase their inventions and research outcomes.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the Female Architects of Nigeria, Arc. Ene Agada, commended Echono for his commitment to advancing education and research in Nigeria.

She presented him with the FAN Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contributions to public service and his support for female architects.

Agada said the association remained committed to promoting excellence in architecture through women empowerment, sustainable housing delivery, environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

She described TETFund as a critical institution in strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy through investments in education, research and capacity development.

According to her, FAN is seeking strategic collaboration with TETFund in areas where the expertise, professional networks and training capacity of its members align with the Fund’s mandate.

“It is 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 said.