The newly created Department of Interior Architecture and Design, Faculty of Architecture, University of Lagos, hosted its inaugural conference on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
As the first department of its kind in Nigeria, the Department brought together academics, professionals, and industry leaders through a hybrid conference themed “Interiors in Context: Exploring Culture, Climate, and Innovations in the Tropics” to examine the future of interior architecture in Nigeria and beyond.
Welcoming participants, the pioneer Head of Department, Dr. Akinfolarin Jobi, outlined the vision and key activities of the department, highlighting plans to establish ‘The Journal of Interior Architecture and the Built Environment’. He also disclosed that approval processes are currently underway for postgraduate programmes, beginning with a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Interior Design.
Speaking on behalf of the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Professor Anthony Adebayo, Professor Anthony Iweka described the initiative as a strategic move to broaden architectural scholarship into specialized areas such as interior and landscape architecture.
He stressed that interior architecture is a rigorous discipline that intersects with human identity, memory, and everyday experience.
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, emphasized the importance of innovation grounded in local identity.
She challenged the department to move beyond Eurocentric design models and champion African spatial expressions that draw from indigenous knowledge systems, sustainable practices, and cultural narratives.
Professional Endorsements
The conference also featured a goodwill message from the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Olumide Adenuga, and endorsements from professional bodies including the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA).
In their separate remarks, ARCON President, Arc Dipo Ajayi, represented by Arc Oluwatofarati Gbadamosi, and the Lagos state Chairman, NIA, Arc Biodun Fatuyi represented by Arc Femi Wahab of the Ikeja chapter of the Lagos Institute of Architects (LIA) stressed the importance of aligning academic training with professional licensing processes, ensuring graduates can practice as interior architects.
They also noted that interior architecture must reflect authenticity, originality, and resilience to tropical climatic conditions.
Keynote Insights: Culture, Climate, and Innovation
The discourse was enriched by keynote presentations:
Dr. Nisha Fernando, a Director of Interior Architecture & Associate Professor, School of Architecture and Design, University of Kansas who highlighted the importance of cultural specificity in design. Drawing on examples from Sri Lanka and Mexico, she cautioned against homogenisation under global trends and urged designers to preserve cultural identity while embedding symbolism and meaning in interiors.
In her own presentation, Prof. Dolapo Amole of the Department of Architecture, Obafemi Awolowo University, reflected on the challenges of globalisation, noting that while international styles dominate, local identity has become increasingly valuable.
She called for cultural hybridity that is, blending global influences with local traditions, and emphasised the role of education in training designers who are both globally competent and locally relevant.
Arc Biodun Shonibare of Studio Stoone Designs, as well as Shift Lag, showcased how computational design, AI, and digital fabrication can transform practice.
He shared projects that combined parametric design with indigenous symbolism, advocating for investment in technology to keep Nigerian designers globally competitive.
Looking Ahead
The seminar concluded with closing remarks from the 3rd Vice President, NIA, Arc David Majekodunmi, who affirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting the growth of UNILAG’s Department of Interior Architecture and Design.
The conference rounded off with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Mokolade Johnson who disclosed that as part of ongoing efforts to enrich the academic environment, the department will continue to hold monthly webinars and collaborations with industry stakeholders.
Author: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Editors: Nike Ogunshakin & Bayo Salau
Watch the conference below:
