Nigerian architectural education in a sustainable age

This study aims to integrate sustainability into the thinking and teaching of architecture in Nigerian tertiary institutions from an abstract manner to a concrete one by modifying present educational approach and practice as well as developing a road map for its implementation. This paper reveals that sustainability in architecture is multidimensional and requires the ability to critically analyze, process and think creatively about how sustainable solutions might be designed in the Nigerian built environment. The findings of the study show that there is the need for an institutional framework to integrate sustainable concept in both architectural education and practice. This will assist to draw a plan to introduce sustainability design studios and sustainability related courses to the Nigerian architectural education. The study concludes that there is the need to upgrade the training of Nigerian architectural educators and students on how to apply design management techniques to coordinate their green building designs. This will enable future Architects propose designs and architectural solutions to challenges facing communities e.g. climate change, environmental destruction, social disintegration, poverty, natural resource exhaustion, and financial instability. The paper recommends that all stakeholders should cooperate at all levels to achieve sustainability as a unified goal. Finally, the research concludes that policy enforcement, monitoring, awareness, funding, training, research; sustainability strategies, practices and programs must be implemented consciously at all levels in Nigeria. It recommends the introduction of a centre for sustainable buildings in Nigeria as well as concepts and principles of sustainable development by the National Universities Commission, National Board for Technical Education, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute of Architects. Conference theme: Education for sustainability