Anambra Architects Lament Quackery, Unprofessionalism Threats in the industry

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By Praise Chinecherem

Nigerian Institute of Architects Anambra State Chapter (NIAASC) has decried growing quackery and unprofessional practices in architectural industry in Nigeria.

Chairman, Anambra state chapter, Arc Ikenna Onuorah raised the alarm on Friday at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exposition in Awka, themed, “Architectural Practice and Professionalism in a Challenging Economy”

He said such menace not only undermine the fabrics of the profession, but pose significant threat to the practice, compromising quality of building and putting lives to risk.

He said, “The state of architectural practice in Nigeria is a subject of concern. According to Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), the profession is plagued by numerous challenges.

“Among the challenges include inadequate compensation, lack of negotiation and limited opportunities for professional growth and development.

“These challenges have led to a brain drain of talented architects to other countries where they can practice with greater ease and enjoy better working conditions.

“As architects, we have a fiduciary duty to our clients and we must conduct ourselves with integrity, honestly and transparency.”

Describing the conference theme as apt and timely, Onuorah urged members to take advantage of the engagement to explore innovative solutions to the profession’s challenges.

“We must leverage technology to enhance our practice and develop new business models that can help us stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.

“We must also prioritize professionalism, uphold the highest standards of ethics and conduct that our profession demands,” he added.

The keynote speaker, Arch Chike Ibeanu who spoke on “Architectural practice and professionalism in a Challenging Economy” underscored the importance of integrity and excellence amidst challenging economy.

He identified redundancy, cost-cutting measures leading to building collapse, business/economic uncertainty, projects delay and cancellation as current challenges facing the profession.

His words: “As professionals, we must be bound by the oath of allegiance guilding our profession. We must insist on resilience, adaptability, flexibility rather than rigidity or docility.

“As leaders, we should focus on core professional values of integrity and excellence. We must embrace efficiency and collaborate more effectively.

“We must drive innovation and transformation, strengthen our clients relationship, nurture them, build and cultivate loyalty through fair compensation, welfare and work culture.

“We must also take communication and negotiation seriously. We need to network, including change of location to ensure improved service delivery.”

Other paper presenters were Surv Chukwubueze Onwuzuligbo who spoke on “Professionalism in the Built Environment” and Arch Oluchi Ifebi who spoke on “Transforming Architecture in Nigeria: The Essential Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Building a Resilient Future”