by Edentu Oroso, Publications Unit
The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Architects, NIA, has sought collaboration with the Federal University Otuoke on project planning, implementation and oversight to ensure professional standards and aesthetic quality in the university’s development projects.
The Chapter Chairman, Arc. Richman Boufini, made the call when a delegation of the Institute paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Promise Mebine, at his office at the West Campus on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Arc. Boufini said the visit was intended to establish closer ties with the university’s management and explore areas where the Institute could contribute its professional expertise to the institution’s development.
He recalled that the Institute had submitted a proposal in 2021 on the establishment of a Department of Architecture at FUO, but said it was uncertain whether the proposal had been approved or whether a functional degree programme had since been established.
“As architects, we’re key actors in the development of Bayelsa State,” Arch. Boufini said. “We’re aware that key projects are ongoing in FUO.”
He added that the Institute was interested in contributing to the university’s development efforts, particularly in planning, execution and project oversight.
“We will want to come in the areas of planning, execution and oversight,” he said. “We want the Institute to contribute its quota to your development efforts.”
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Promise Mebine, expressed appreciation to the delegation and welcomed the proposed collaboration.
Professor Mebine said he was unaware that the Institute had previously sought engagement with the university, noting that he assumed office only recently. He explained that the university currently has a Faculty of Environmental Sciences, which, in his view, could provide a foundation for the development of Architecture as a degree programme, although the faculty presently lacks a dedicated structure.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the visit was timely, particularly as the University was undertaking building projects, but explained that some of the ongoing projects were sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, which retains oversight responsibility for such projects.
“Some of the projects are TETFund-sponsored and they have the oversight function, not FUO,” he said, adding that the Institute would, however, be involved in internal university projects, particularly in areas relating to aesthetics and designs that would stand the test of time.
Professor Mebine further disclosed that the university was already working on a proposal to establish a full degree programme in Architecture.
He assured the delegation that the university would be willing to partner with the Nigeria Institute of Architects in developing the proposed programme, subject to the Institute meeting the required professional and academic profile.
The proposed collaboration, he said, would strengthen the university’s built environment development while also creating a pathway for professional input into its future architectural projects.
