The Ife Architecture Summit 2.0, which held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Ajose Lecture Theatre of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, marked a transformative moment for Nigeria’s architectural community.
Themed “Beyond Build: The Future of Architecture in Nigeria — The Role of Leadership, Mentorship, and Education,” gathered professionals, academics, alumni, and students to engage in high-impact dialogue on reshaping the built environment.
Organized by the Ife Architecture Students’ Association (IFASA) to kick off Archiweek 2025, the summit was not only a celebration of architectural creativity but a call to action to envision architecture as a catalyst for national development.
The summit was chaired by Favour Oyekan, President of IFASA, whose presidential address inspired students to see architecture “not just as construction, but as a force that stirs, speaks, and serves.”
Distinguished guests included Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA); Arc. Olusegun Ladega, Managing Director of Interstate Architects Limited and renowned urban design expert; and Prof. Cordelia Osasona, trailblazer in architectural education and the first female professor trained in architecture by OAU.
In her address, Arc. Adeniyi praised the initiative and expressed confidence in the summit’s relevance. “This gathering is timely for shaping the next generation of architects and thinkers. I commend the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, for supporting this intellectual renaissance,” she said.
Professor A.D. Jiboye, Head of Department, underscored the summit’s significance for shaping students’ academic and professional mindset, while Arc. Ladega delivered a powerful keynote, expressing concern about building collapses in Nigeria. “Behind every collapse is an act of lawlessness,” he said. “We are a society where codes and laws are often breached, and enforcement is weak. Until builders, regulators, and the public embrace architectural expertise and standards, the consequences will persist.”
He called for strengthened regulation and public education, stressing the need for architects to guide clients through lawful, safe building processes.
In a deeply personal and empowering session, Prof. Osasona addressed the unique challenges faced by female architecture students. “If you want to succeed in life, you must rise above these challenges, recognize your worth and embrace opportunities,” she urged, drawing applause from participants.
The summit was attended by university dignitaries including the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, Prof. Ogunba; Prof. A.D. Jiboye (H.O.D.); Prof. Ilesanmi (Deputy Provost, Postgraduate College); Prof. Dolapo Amole; and many other notable faculty members.
A courtesy visit was also paid to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bamire, where discussions centred on departmental advancement. Present were the DVC Academics, Prof. M.O. Babalola; NIA President; Chairman of the NIA Osun State Chapter, Arc. Emmanuel Oladejo; and student leaders.
One of the summit’s landmark moments was the unveiling of the first edition of the Ife Architecture Journal, a student-led publication edited by immediate past IFASA president, Ojo-Ibukun Timothy. The journal marks a new era for student-led research, writing, and thought leadership in architecture.
To recognize exceptional contributions, awards of honour were presented as followed, Architectural Leadership & Nation-Building Award – Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi; Innovative Practice & Urban Development Award – Arc. Olusegun Ladega; Lifetime Impact in Architectural Education & Heritage Award – Prof. C.O. Osasona
Others were Distinguished Leadership Award – Prof. A.D. Jiboye; IFASA Advisory Excellence Awards – Prof. Dolapo Amole, Dr. S.A. David, and Dr. O.O. Adisa.
Also, winners of the Prof. Bayo Amole Architectural Essay Competition were honoured as followed, 1st Prize (₦75,000): Adeniran Caleb (OAU); 2nd Prize (₦50,000): Iyinoluwa Ibitoye (Lead City University); 3rd Prize (₦25,000): Tofunmi (OAU, Year 1).
The competition was sponsored by OAC Architects (Arc. Wale Okubadejo) in honour of Prof. Amole, a revered retired lecturer.
Earlier events of Archiweek included a campus clean-up with PloggingNigeria, and the “Battle of Colours” sports fest, where Yellow House (Prof. Bayo Amole) emerged victorious.
Commending the Planning Committee, Favour Oyekan acknowledged the leadership of Adegbola Femi (Chairman), Kotila Boluwatife (Assistant Head 1), and Adele Praise (Assistant Head 2) for their tireless efforts in executing a summit that, in her words, “built not just structures, but stories.”
The Ife Architecture Summit 2.0 went beyond the ceremonial — it delivered vision, leadership, and momentum. In Oyekan’s final words: “Let this day spark something — in our hearts, in our minds and in our work — that moves us all beyond build.”
