Chinedum Elekwachi
Nigerian Institute of Architects Anambra State Chapter (NIAASC) has decried growing cases of quackery and unprofessional practices in architectural industry in Nigeria.
Arc. Ikenna Onuorah, Chairman, Anambra NIAASC, raised the alarm on Friday at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exposition in Awka.
The conference had the theme – “Architectural Practice and Professionalism in a Challenging Economy”.
He said such menace undermine the fabrics of the profession.
According to him, it posed significant threat to the practice, compromising quality of building and putting lives to risk.
Onuorah said: “The state of architectural practice in Nigeria is a subject of concern.
“According to Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), the profession is plagued by numerous challenges.
“The challenges include inadequate compensation, lack of negotiation and limited opportunities for professional growth and development.
“These challenges have led to a brain drain of talented architects to other countries where they can practice with greater ease and enjoy better working conditions.
“As architects, we have a duty to our clients and we must conduct ourselves with integrity, honestly and transparency.”
Describing the conference theme as apt, Onuorah urged members to take advantage of the engagement to explore innovative solutions to the profession’s challenges.
“We must leverage technology to enhance our practice and develop new business models.
“This will help us stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
“There is also the need to prioritise professionalism, uphold the highest standards of ethics and conduct that our profession demands,” he added.
The his keynote address, Arch Chike Ibeanu underscored the importance of integrity and excellence amidst challenging economy.
Ibeanu identified redundancy, cost-cutting measures leading to building collapse.
He also identified business/economic uncertainty, project delay and cancellation, as current challenges facing the profession.
“As professionals, we must be bound by the oath of allegiance guilding our profession.
“Let’s insist on resilience, adaptability, flexibility rather than rigidity or docility.
“As leaders, we should focus on core professional values of integrity and excellence.
“Embrace efficiency and collaborate more effectively.
“We must drive innovation and transformation, strengthen our clients relationship.
“We have to nurture them, build and cultivate loyalty through fair compensation, welfare and work culture.
“Communication and negotiation must be taken seriously.
“We need to network, including change of location to ensure improved service delivery,’ he said.
Other Speakers
Other paper presenters were Surv Chukwubueze Onwuzuligbo who spoke on “Professionalism in the Built Environment.
Arch Oluchi Ifebi spoke on “Transforming Architecture in Nigeria: The Essential Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Building a Resilient Future”.
