Kingsley O. Dimuna
Tekton
Volume 4, Issue 2, September 2017
pp. 8 – 23
Kingsley O. Dimuna is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria. He is a 1991 graduate of Bendel State University, Ekpoma and holds a B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Architecture. He is a fully registered Architect with Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON). He is a full member of both Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and Association of Architectural Educators (AARCHES). He is a recipient of several awards among which are Imo State Government University Scholarship for academic excellence and best overall candidate in ARCON/NIA Professional Competence Examination in March 2007. He served the Institute as a member of the NIA Board of Architectural Education. He is currently a member of ARCON Education Committee and has been a co-ordinator of Ekpoma Zone of Edo State chapter of NIA. He has to his credit many publications in both local and International journals.
ABSTRACT
This paper examines the challenges of architectural education and practice in Nigeria. It further examines employment opportunities available to the architect. The paper identifies problems confronting architectural education and practice such as: inadequate practical education of architects to face the professional challenges ahead, lack of public awareness of the architect’s role and responsibilities, lack of passion for the profession by some of the professionals, dearth of commissions, erosion and encroachment on the profession by non architects etc. The paper relied on secondary data. The paper opines that architecture is a noble and challenging profession that should not be left in the hands of charlatans and quacks. The paper recommends strategies such as educating the public, implementing the extant laws, regulating the profession in Nigeria, acquisition of more practical knowledge by architects to play their proper role in the building industry.
KEY WORDS
Architectural Education, Practice, Nigeria
