The University of Uyo has secured a British Council–funded grant to boost inclusiveness and employment opportunities in Nigeria’s construction industry through a one-year Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) project.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University in the UK, is designed to harness digital technologies for sustainability and workforce development.
“The project aims to revolutionise technical and vocational education and training by harnessing digital technologies to enhance sustainability that will ultimately drive economic development in the country,” said Professor Emmanuel Akpabio. He is Director of the Directorate of International Programmes at the University of Uyo, during a press briefing.
Building Skills for a Changing Industry
Akpabio, the project’s principal investigator alongside colleagues Anthony Ujene and Akaniyene Umoh, highlighted the rapid transformation within the construction sector.
“The construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by advanced digital technologies and innovations including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability principles and smart practices. To navigate this landscape, professionals require a multidisciplinary skill set that transcends traditional approaches,” he said.
The TVET programme is expected to equip students and practitioners with hands-on skills, improve employability, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen innovation in the sector.
Workshops and Exchange Visits
Key activities include a train-the-trainer workshop in Uyo from October 14–17, 2025. The workshop is aimed at building the capacity of technical institutions and industry practitioners. In addition, exchange visits to Edinburgh Napier University and construction partners in the UK are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
According to Akpabio, who also serves as a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Research and Policy Integration for Africa (IRPA), the project will enhance academia-industry collaboration and prepare students 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 added.
Recognition and International Partnerships
Akpabio described the grant as a milestone for the university. Emphasizing that it reflects growing recognition by international funding agencies of the University of Uyo’s research capacity.
He commended Vice Chancellor Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo for his leadership. He also acknowledged the British Council’s role in strengthening global higher education ties.
“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,” he said.
Significance of this Development
With this award, the University of Uyo is set to play a leading role in aligning Nigeria’s construction education with global best practices. If successfully implemented, the programme could provide a blueprint for bridging skills gaps and enhancing the employability of Nigeria’s young workforce.