The University of Uyo has won a British Council funded grant to advance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aimed at boosting inclusiveness, innovation, and employment opportunities in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Unveiling the one-year project at a press conference in Uyo, Professor Emmanuel Akpabio, Director of the Directorate of International Programmes and principal investigator, said the initiative seeks to “revolutionize TVET by harnessing digital technologies to enhance sustainability and drive economic development.”
The project is a collaboration between the University of Uyo and Edinburgh Napier University in the UK, led by Dubem Ikediashi, with fellow researchers Dr. Anthony Ujene and Dr. Akaniyene Umoh serving as co-investigators.
According to Prof. Akpabio, the construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift powered by advanced technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and smart sustainable practices. He stressed that professionals now require multidisciplinary skills beyond traditional approaches.
The programme will equip participants with practical skills to improve employability, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen academia-industry partnerships. Activities will include a “train-the-trainers” workshop in Uyo scheduled for October 14–17, 2025, as well as exchange visits to Edinburgh Napier University and UK construction industry partners.
Prof. Akpabio, who is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Research and Policy Integration for Africa (IRPA), described the grant as a milestone that underscores UNIUYO’s growing reputation in research and international collaborations. He commended the British Council for its support and lauded the Vice Chancellor of UNIUYO, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, for his leadership.
He urged industry stakeholders, academia, and the public to engage actively with the project, saying: “Together, we can harness digital technologies to drive sustainability, inclusiveness, and employability in construction education.”