NBTE, ARCON to jointly accredit architecture in polys

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly accredit the training of architecture in polytechnics and Colleges of Technology.

The MoU, which was signed by the Executive Secretary of NBTE, Dr Masa'udu Adamu Kazaure and the Registrar of ARCON, Umar Murnai, stipulates that visitation to Polytechnics, Colleges of Technology, Vocational and Innovation Enterprise Institution, Technical colleges and similar institutions for accreditation shall be jointly undertaken.

The accord between NBTE and ARCON was suspended about five years ago. The MOU is a resuscitation of the programme between the parties.

The MoU became necessary following the recognition of the mandate of NBTE as provided in Decree 9 of 1977 and Decree 16 of 1985 and those of ARCON as provided in Decree 10 of 1969 which empower both institutions for the accreditation and approval of programmes for the training of technologists, technicians and craftsmen.

With this MOU, ARCON will now be licensing all products of accredited polytechnics in Nigeria, as architectural technologists.

The agreement also notes that a joint template for accreditation which shall encompass the academic and professional aspects of the training shall be evolved and used for uniformity.

ARCON is expected to receive the report of all accreditation to the architecture programme and consider the outcome as deemed appropriate.

The MOU further noted that with effect from the date of the memoranda, all architecture programmes accredited by the NBTE would enjoy ARCON recognition until they are due for re-accreditation.