A major milestone in Nigeria’s push for professional and technical empowerment has been achieved with the launch of a skill acquisition and training centre for architectural technicians in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative, led by the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is set to redefine technical education in the built environment.
The new School of Architectural Technicians forms part of the broader national reform agenda of the current administration, aimed at revitalising critical sectors through capacity-building, youth empowerment, and vocational training. Endorsed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, the project reflects President Bola Tinubu’s wider goals for sustainable development and workforce readiness.
ARCON is currently finalising the process of registering the training centre under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). This integration will formally position the centre within Nigeria’s national skills development structure.
To expand access and ensure community-level impact, ARCON is building alliances with the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). Talks are underway to create sponsorship pathways for local government workers to enrol in courses at the Kuje Centre. Long-term plans also include embedding licensed architects into the workforce of all 774 local governments across the country to promote professional standards at the grassroots.
Security planning is also underway to safeguard students, trainers, and visitors at the facility, as part of efforts to establish a safe and conducive learning environment.
Speaking on the development, ARCON President, Dipo Ajayi, applauded the government’s backing of initiatives that blend technical learning with practical experience. He noted that the Kuje Centre is positioned to become a national hub for vocational excellence and a catalyst for innovation in Nigeria’s architectural and construction sectors.
Among the first programmes to roll out is a Summer Skill Acquisition Camp targeting upper primary and junior secondary school students. The camp is designed to expose young learners to hands-on knowledge in technical fields from an early age in alignment with federal policies encouraging skill integration into foundational education.
In addition, the centre will offer certification in various trades such as plumbing, masonry, electrical installation, POP, tiling, painting, and floor finishing. Partnerships with professional bodies and private organisations are being cultivated to ensure graduates receive industry-recognised qualifications.
Ajayi reiterated ARCON’s dedication to supporting the ministry’s vision of building a nation where technical skill meets global standards, and where the construction industry becomes a platform for widespread socio-economic advancement.
