NIA, OAU Students Launch National Design Contest to Honour Architect Anthony Okoye at 60

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), in collaboration with the Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA), Obafemi Awolowo University, and Design Genre Limited, has announced a nationwide architectural design competition to celebrate Arc. Anthony Okoye, FNIA, a renowned Nigerian architect and Founder/Managing Director of Design Genre Limited, as he marks his 60th birthday.

The contest, themed: “Reimagining the Urban Block of Nigerian Cities,” seeks to inspire architecture students across Nigeria to propose bold, sustainable, and replicable design ideas that address the complexities of urban living.

Participants are expected to demonstrate creativity, conceptual strength, and an understanding of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The competition invites undergraduate and postgraduate architecture students from Nigerian universities to reimagine urban blocks in cities such as Ebute Metta in Lagos, Jabbi in Abuja, Diobu in Port Harcourt, Ogbete in Enugu, Gwange in Maiduguri, Wurukum in Makurdi, and Kurmi in Kano—developing solutions that promote sustainability, livability, and resilience.

Entries should demonstrate green design principles, tackle urban congestion, and propose replicable models for urban renewal.

Registration is free via nia@niamails.com, and each team must include at least one Urban and Regional Planning student.

Submissions must include two A1 design panels in PDF format and a 1,000–1,500-words project report explaining design concepts, challenges addressed, and sustainable approaches.

Registration opens on October 25 and the competition will run in two stages—regional and national—with regional winners advancing to the final stage for jury deliberation between December 6 and 10, 2025.

The deadline for regional submission is November 30. Winners will be announced during the NIA First Quarterly Dinner in 2026.

National prizes include N650,000, N450,000, and N250,000 for the first, second, and third places respectively, with certificates and publications, while regional winners will receive cash prizes and certificates.

A Technical Adviser, Arc. Adebayo Adedipe, FNIA, will oversee the evaluation process to ensure compliance with competition guidelines.

Speaking on the collaboration, Chair, NIA Architectural Competitions and Exhibitions Committee, Dr. Agha-Ejimole Okereke, said: “This initiative is more than a contest; it’s a platform to nurture the creative minds that will redefine the future of Nigerian cities.”

The national jury includes eminent architects Goke Omigbodun, Clifford Ohikere, David Musa, and John Bawa.

Through this initiative, NIA, Design Genre, and IFASA reaffirm their shared commitment to inspiring a new generation of architects to build sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environments while honouring the legacy of Arc. Anthony Okoye, whose life and work embody the ideals of modern architecture.

In his remarks, IFASA President, John Ojo, described the competition as both a celebration of Okoye’s milestone and a tribute to his enduring contribution to the growth of architectural education in Nigeria.

Okoye has been a consistent pillar of support for design competitions at Obafemi Awolowo University for well over a decade, inspiring generations of students to think critically about architecture and sustainability.

His global experience—spanning Europe, North America, and Africa—brings a rare perspective to architectural practice, and his advocacy for environmentally responsible design challenges young professionals like us to create spaces that are both innovative and future-ready,” Ojo said.

Arc. Anthony Okoye, FNIA, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost architects, celebrated for his innovative design ethos and leadership in sustainable urban development.

A distinguished alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, he is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, a Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), a Trustee of the Green Building Council of Nigeria, a Member of the Institute of Directors, and past Treasurer of RIBA-USA (Philadelphia Chapter).

His 60th birthday competition reflects his lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing environmentally conscious architecture in Nigeria.

The NIA’s sponsorship and professional endorsement further affirm the competition’s credibility as a platform for young architects to showcase ingenuity and contribute meaningfully to the built environment discourse in Nigeria.

Further details on the competition and entry requirements are available through NIA’s official website and the social media platforms of the Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA).