A Professor of Architectural Pedagogy and Governance Practices, Peter Aderonmu, has called for a recalibration of the architectural compass in Nigeria to strengthen professional practice, improve design standards, and reposition architecture education for global relevance.
Aderonmu made the call while delivering the 23rd inaugural lecture of Redeemer’s University on Tuesday in Ede.
The lecture, titled “Bauhaus–Ecoles De Beaux Arts: The Tripod Impact of Professional Practice, Pedagogical Exploits and Administrative Stewardship,” examined the evolving role of architecture education and professional leadership in national development.
The professor, who lectures in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment Studies, stressed the need for architects to embrace broader professional identities by functioning not only as designers but also as educators and administrators capable of shaping institutional growth.
According to him, architectural excellence can best be achieved through a three-part framework comprising professional practice, pedagogical exploits, and administrative stewardship, which he described as mutually reinforcing pillars essential for disciplinary advancement.
Aderonmu urged university administrators and stakeholders in the education sector to uphold professionalism, pay greater attention to detail, conduct proper background checks, and demonstrate genuine concern for people within the academic community.
He also advocated periodic curriculum reviews to integrate ethics, sustainability, management studies, and curriculum decolonisation into architectural training.
The don noted that professionalism in architecture goes beyond licensing and technical competence, adding that ethical responsibility, social accountability, cultural responsiveness, and design intelligence should remain central to the profession.
To bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands, Aderonmu proposed the adoption of structured exercises and practice-oriented teaching methods that would adequately prepare students for professional documentation and contract administration.
He further commended the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Shadrach Akindele, alongside members of staff of the institution, for their support towards the growth and development of the university.
The professor, however, maintained that architecture education must continue to evolve through innovation, discipline, and effective governance in order to meet contemporary societal needs and global realities.