August 19, 2025 – The University of Uyo has announced that it has secured a British Council funded grant to support a new project in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) aimed at boosting inclusiveness and employment opportunities in Nigeria’s construction industry.
The one-year project is designed to “revolutionize technical and vocational education and training by harnessing digital technologies to enhance sustainability that will ultimately drive economic development in the country,” according to the University.
At a press conference held to signal the start of the initiative, Professor Emmanuel Akpabio, a professor of Geography and Human Resources Management and Director of the Directorate of International Programmes of the University of Uyo, explained the importance of the project.
Akpabio, who is also a senior research fellow at the Institute for Research and Policy Integration for Africa (IRPA), said the programme is being carried out in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University under the leadership of Dubem Ikediashi.
He revealed that he is serving as a principal investigator on the project alongside two colleagues, Anthony Ujene and Akaniyene Umoh. Speaking on the changing nature of the construction industry, Akpabio noted that it is currently undergoing a “paradigm shift driven for advanced digital technologies and innovations including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability principles and smart practices.”
He added that professionals need “a multidisciplinary skills set that transcends traditional approaches” to remain competitive.
Akpabio stressed that the TVET programme will provide individuals with practical skills, improve employability, and help Nigeria’s economic growth by creating a skilled workforce. It will also promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement in the construction sector.
He outlined the project’s key activities, which include a train-the-trainers workshop scheduled to hold in Uyo from October 14 to 17, 2025. The workshop will focus on capacity building for technical institutions and industry practitioners.
In addition, exchange visits to Edinburgh Napier University and construction industry partners in the United Kingdom will take place in the coming weeks.
According to Akpabio, the project will also strengthen collaboration between academia and the construction industry, create new partnerships, and provide hands-on training opportunities for students to prepare them for real-world challenges.
“We urge members of the public, industry stakeholders, academia and media organisations to follow the project’s progress and participate in its activities; together we can harness the potential of digital technologies to drive sustainability, inclusiveness and employability in construction education,” he said.
Describing the grant as a milestone, Akpabio stated that it has positioned the University of Uyo as a growing centre of research excellence recognised by top international funding agencies.
He praised the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, for providing support and leadership throughout the process.
He also expressed gratitude to the British Council for its role in making the project possible. “The British Council plays a vital role in fostering international partnerships between higher education institutions in the UK and globally and we are honoured to be recipients of their support,” Akpabio said.