The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)

Inaugurated on the 1st of April 1960, the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) was established after a detailed planning of its structures and systems by an 8-member study group two years earlier. However, the idea for the formation of an autonomous organization for professional architects was first conceived by three Nigerians living and training in England in the early fifties.

The Institute was formed with the goal of promoting amiable relations amongst members as well as catering for the welfare of members and instituting mutual support and cooperation amongst them. It also aims at ensuring that standard professional practice policies and work ethics are maintained and strictly adhered to.

At the helm of affairs in terms of upholding the laws and policies of the Institute is the Executive Council. The Executive Council is made up of members elected or appointed at the Biennial General Meeting of the Institute and is headed by the President who takes the Chair at all its meetings and the General Assembly. The Executive Council carries out various activities through different committees which include:

• Admission Committee: responsible for processing applications for admission into various categories of membership
• Archibuilt Committee: responsible for organizing and planning the annual specialized forum of Building Materials and Construction Technology and other related programs which is inclusive of the Compendium publication and the Archibuilt up-date. Archibuilt is one of several NIA Public service programs being pursued to complement efforts of government and other interest groups in the development of the nation
• Board of Architectural Education: takes care of all educational programs and activities such as visitation and accreditation of schools of Architecture in Nigeria, conduct of professional practice examinations, and implementation of continued professional development programs
• Disciplinary Committee: concerned primarily with the maintenance of high ethical and professional standards and strict adherence to the above as provided for in the various provisions of the NIA Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Female Architects of Nigeria (FAN): responsible for mobilizing women members to fully participate in the activities of the Institute in addition to other specific programs.
• Finance Committee: responsible for initiation of financial policies and programs for the Institute including ways and methods of generating funds. The Chairman is the National Treasurer and he/she is responsible for handling the finances of the Institute
• International Affairs Committee: in charge of the initiation of NIA’s policies, programs, and activities as they relate to international organizations NIA is affiliated to
• Practice Committee: in charge of professional practice policies, programs and ethics in all its ramifications
• Public Relations Committee: ensures the Institute, architects and the architectural profession as a whole maintains a good public image. It also ensures cordial relationship with the authorities, the mass media, the public and other allied professionals and organizations within the built industry through various public relations programs and activities
• Students Affairs Committee: responsible for the welfare and interests of students of architecture in Institutions of higher learning and their integration into the Institute’s programs
• Publications and Library Committee: charged with the task of collecting and publishing materials and write-ups from the academics and practice sectors as well as other related matters. The committee is also responsible for keeping stock, running and maintaining a comprehensive library
• Association of Architectural Educators (AARCHES)

From a diffident amount of 13 members, the NIA has grown to about 6000 members in the different membership categories which include Fellows, Full members, Associates, Graduates & Students members, Honorary Fellows & Members and Foreign members.

To become a member, you are expected to obtain an application form from the Secretariat which is located at…… and must have at least the minimum requirements for studying Architecture which includes Credits in G.C.E “O” Level or its equivalents to include: Mathematics, Physics, English plus any other two subjects but preferably chosen from the following:- Fine Arts, Chemistry, Economics & Geography.

Asides from this minimum requirement, you are expected to fulfill the following
1. Photocopies of documents to be attached to application form:
• Ordinary Level Certificate or its equivalent
• Advance Level Certificate or its equivalent (if any)
• B.Sc. Arch., M.Sc. Arch Certificates or their equivalent
• N.Y.S.C. Certificate – (Discharge or exemption)
• Nigerian Institute of Architects’ Certificate of Professional Competence (if application is for Full Registration)
• Nigerian Institute of Architects’ Finals 2 Certificate (where school attended is not accredited or recognized)
• Evidence of change of name (if applicable)
2. All copies of credentials being submitted by applicant must have “Original seen by me” and duly signed and dated with name of the signatory (who must be a current Council Member) after sighting the originals.
3. Originals of Certificates should be produced on request.
4. Details or experience to be stated on supplementary form and attached to application form
5. Referees must be full members of the Institute. At least one of the referees must have been a member of not less than 5years’ standing, while the second referee must have been a member of not less than 3 years standing. All referees must current on dues payment.
6. It is the duty of the applicant to find out the financial status of the referees.
7. In the event of any of the two referees not being a financial member of the Institute, the application forms of the applicant would be rejected and the applicant would be required to purchase new application forms from the NIA Secretariat
8. Two copies of your passport photograph duly endorsed by one of the Referees as follows: “True appearance of Mr./Mrs./Miss_________________________” dated and signed.

Except in the case of Honorary Members and Honorary Fellows, applications should be made to the Honorary General Secretary and admission to membership is determined majorly by the decision of the Executive Council. In some cases however, the Executive Council can recommend that the Institute confer honorary membership on deserving persons.
A member may be formally introduced and admitted at any of the Institute’s functions (Dinners and General Meetings) if such a member has adhered fully to the requirements for admission and paid the admission fees and first annual subscription as prescribed in the by-laws of the Institute. As a member, you are expected to be actively involved in the activities of the Institute, be a member of a State Chapter and/or serve in at least one Committee or Sub-Committee of the Institute.

The Nigerian Institute of Architects is a founding member of both the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and the Africa Union of Architects (AUA) It is also a member of the International Union of Architects (UIA) and cooperates actively with government and non-government organizations, institutions of learning and other professional bodies in promoting the role of architecture in the society.