Minister to speak at UNEC lecture on future of architecture practice

The Minister of Works,  Mike Onolememen is expected to deliver a keynote address on the ‘Future of Architectural Education and Practice in Nigeria’ at a lecture to be held in the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC). Victor Okolo, the Enugu State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, is also expected at the event.

The lecture, which is the maiden edition of ASAFEST 1.0  organized by the Architecture Students Association (ASA) of the Department of Architecture of the University, has been slated for Wednesday, July 23  and will end on Saturday, July 26.

The event is expected to draw practising architects, other professionals in the building industry, other related professionals as well as manufacturers and distributors. It will also feature lectures/discussions, exhibition, product presentations and quiz competition.

Chika Maduako, the ASA president, in a statement, hoped that this would provide the students the opportunity to interact with students of architecture from other schools, architects and other stakeholders in the construction industry.

“This event will also provide all participants and partners excellent opportunities to discuss and exchange ideas on the future of architectural education and practice in Nigeria; students will have  opportunities to interact and establish bi-lateral ties as well as follow-up contacts with other schools of Architecture,” he said.

Already, about 10 Schools of Architecture including those in Enugu State University of Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State University of Science and Technology, Yaba College of Technology among others, have indicated interest to attend the programme which holds at the main auditorium of Architecture Department.

Maduako  stated that that four day event aims to  bring together professionals in the construction industry to discuss burning issues in the industry and create an environment to showcase new technologies applicable to the industry as well as provide networking opportunities for students and professionals in the industry.

There will be exhibitions of construction materials from the construction industry aimed at addressing the end users, and improving quality and standards in the sector.

Apart from the Head of the Department of Architecture, UNEC , who is the chief host of the event, other guest speakers have been lined up to speak on different issues including the Second Vice President, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Adibe Njoku, former Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeazor Akaraiwe, as well as the state chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), E. C. Onoh among others.