The University of Uyo has secured a British Council funded grant for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to boost inclusiveness and employment opportunities in the construction industry.

The one-year 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”.

Emmanuel Akpabio, a Professor of Human Geography and Natural Resources Management and Director, Directorate of International Programmes of the University of Uyo made this known while addressing a Press Conference to signal the commencement of the project which he said is being undertaken in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University led by Dubem Ikediashi.

Akpabio, who is the principal investigator alongside two of his colleagues including Anthony Ujene and Akaniyene Umoh, also principal investigators pointed out that the “construction industry is undergoing a paradigm shift driven for advanced digital technologies and innovations including Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), sustainability principles and smart practices adding that to navigate this landscape, “professionals require a multidisciplinary skills set that transcends traditional approaches.’’

According to him, the TVET programme will equip individuals with practical skills, enhance employability, contribute to the country’s economic growth by providing a skilled workforce and foster innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

He said the key activities of the project would include train the trainer’s workshop, involving capacity building for technical-related institutions and industry practitioners and exchange visits to Edinburgh Napier University and construction industry partners in UK adding that while the exchange visit would begin in the next couple of weeks, the Uyo train-the-trainer workshop is scheduled for October 14-17, 2025.

Akpabio, who is also a senior research fellow, Institute for Research and Policy Integration for Africa (IRPA), highlighted the importance of the project saying it would strengthen academia-industry collaboration, foster partnerships between the University of Uyo and the construction industry, enhance construction education and ensure hands-on training for students while preparing them 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 said.

Describing the grant project as a milestone achievement, he said it has given the University of Uyo to be recognised by top funding agencies due to its growing reputation and research capacities and lauded the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Nyaudo Ndaeyo for the support and excellent leadership.

He also commended the British Council for generously funding this collaborative project adding that as a renowned organisation, “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.’’