Building a pathway to stability: strategies for overcoming the Architect's registration crisis in Nigeria

Abstract

The Architect's registration crisis in Nigeria for eight straight years (2015–2023) has significantly impacted the architectural profession, creating a pressing need for effective solutions to restore stability and ensure a sustainable future. This research investigated the challenges and consequences the crisis has caused the architectural profession in Nigeria and potential strategies for resolving the situation. The study relied on thirty-four (34) structured interviews with Provisionally Stage II registered architects and fully registered architects from different parts of Nigeria and a literature review involving a thorough analysis to identify key issues and challenges related to the Architect's registration crisis in Nigeria. Findings reveal the major factors contributing to the registration crisis include institutional issues, legislative and policy issues, power-mongering, and personality battles within professional associations and the regulatory body. Some of the proposed solutions involve strengthening accreditation standards and monitoring, addressing issues about the HND degree holders, advocating for fair registration practices, fostering collaboration and professionalism, overcoming internal issues and power struggles within professional associations and regulatory bodies, and the study proposed a framework for the registration of architects in different cadres. Ultimately, this research provided valuable insights for policymakers, professional bodies, and stakeholders. By identifying viable pathways to resolution, this study paves the way for a sustainable future for the architectural profession in Nigeria, ensuring its continued growth in the built environment.