A Professor of Architectural Pedagogy and Governance Practice, Prof. Peter Adewuyi Aderonmu, has called for a recalibration of Nigeria’s architectural compass to strengthen architectural design, professional practice, and educational standards in the country.
Prof. Aderonmu argued that the recalibration is needed in order to address rapid urbanisation, the housing crisis, environmental degradation, and the need for cultural affirmation.
These assertions formed part of Prof. Aderonmu’s lecture titled, “The Bauhaus-Écoles Des Beaux-Arts Traditions: The Tripod Impact of Professional Practice, Pedagogical Exploits and Administrative Stewardship,” delivered at the Redeemer’s University auditorium, Ede, on Tuesday.
Prof. Aderonmu, who lamented that architecture stands at a critical juncture in Nigeria, faced with quackery, invasions and abandonment of projects, added that recalibration is also needed in the architecture profession, academia, university administration and among individual architects.
He said, “For the profession (ARCON, NIA): Strengthen the bridge to academia. Mandate richer, more structured internship experiences. Champion practice-based research and robust CPD that includes pedagogical and managerial training for senior architects, clients and other relevant stakeholders.
“For the academy (universities, NBTE): At regular intervals, revisit curricula to deeply integrate ethics, sustainability, and management — curriculum decolonization. Incentivize faculty to engage in practice and creative administration. Make the studios and classrooms the true microcosm of professional reality.
“For university administration: Have respect for professionalism, avoid jumping the gun, trust leadership and team members, and avoid halo bias by putting round pegs in round holes. Give attention to detail, do background checks and show true care for one another.
“For the individual architect: Embrace a holistic identity. See yourself not only as a designer but also as an educator (mentoring interns) and a potential leader in your institute or community. Cultivate the skills for all three legs of an architect-citizen.”
Prof. Aderonmu also called for architectural lecturers to teach both 100-level and 200-level undergraduates.
He said, “Today, this lecture affirms that the future of architectural education in Africa and indeed globally depends on scholars who can: (i) bridge theory and practice, (ii) integrate tradition with innovation, and (iii) lead institutions with vision and intellectual depth.”
He also proposed participatory and revolutionary pedagogic models rooted in Nigerian sociocultural realities.
Aderonmu commended the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Shadrach Akindele, as well as members of staff of the institution, for their contributions to the growth and development of the university.
He, however, maintained that architecture education must continue to evolve through innovation, discipline, and effective governance in order to meet societal demands and align with global realities.
