Architects in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA), Obafemi Awolowo University, and Design Genre Limited, have joined hands to launch a nationwide architectural design competition in honour of Anthony Okoye, who is marking his 60th birthday.
Okoye, a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), is a renowned architect and founder/managing director of Design Genre Limited. He is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost architects, celebrated for his innovative design ethos and leadership in sustainable urban development.
His 60th birthday competition reflects his lifelong commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing environmentally conscious architecture in Nigeria.
Through the design contest 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.
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John Ojo, IFASA President, 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.
“Anthony 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.
The design contest, which has its theme, ‘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.
NIA, in a statement obtained by BusinessDay, disclosed that entries should demonstrate green design principles, tackle urban congestion, and propose replicable models for urban renewal, adding that registration is free via [email protected].
“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-word project report explaining design concepts, challenges addressed, and sustainable approaches,” the statement advised.
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Registration to participate in the contest opened 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 the 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. Adebayo Adedipe, technical adviser, will oversee the evaluation process to ensure compliance with competition guidelines.
“This initiative is more than a contest; it’s a platform to nurture the creative minds that will redefine the future of Nigerian cities,” Agha-Ejimole Okereke, chairman, NIA Architectural Competitions and Exhibitions Committee, said, disclosing that the national jury includes eminent architects Goke Omigbodun, Clifford Ohikere, David Musa, and John Bawa.
Anthony Okoye is 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 a past Treasurer of RIBA-USA (Philadelphia Chapter).
