Arc. Prof. Dorcas Ayeni Inducted as Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA)

Professor Dorcas Ayeni of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Department of Architecture, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA).

The investiture ceremony took place on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

Prof. Ayeni, a Professor of Architecture at FUTA, holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a PhD in Architecture and Sustainable Tourism from De Montfort University, UK. She also possesses diplomas in Tourism Management and Landscaping. Her research and professional expertise focus on the intersections of architecture, landscape, sustainable tourism, and cultural heritage, with a special emphasis on heritage studies and management.

Since 2004, Prof. Ayeni has built a formidable academic career, mentoring students for the British Academy International Writing Workshop, supervising numerous PhD candidates, leading major research projects, and authoring over 100 peer-reviewed publications. She has served as an external examiner, reviewed articles for more than 31 journals, secured multiple research grants, and actively contributed to professional bodies in architecture.

Prof. Ayeni has a record of groundbreaking achievements, including:

• Pioneer Head of Department and Visiting Professor at Elizade University
• First Professor of Architecture from Ogori, Kogi State
• First female Professor of Architecture from Kogi and Ondo States
• Second female Professor in the North Central region
• Tenth female Professor of Architecture in Nigeria
• First female Professor of Architecture at FUTA

Beyond academia, Prof. Ayeni designs and supervises construction projects, serves actively on the Ondo State ARCON Enforcement and Compliance Committee, and represents FUTA in international collaborations and conferences. She currently leads a TETFUND-funded research project on "Assessing Heritage Sites for Sustainable Tourism Development."

Outside her professional and academic engagements, Prof. Ayeni is also a Pastor and founder of the non-profit organization “Widows and Widowers Window of Hope.”

Her investiture as a Fellow of NIA marks a significant recognition of her contributions to architecture, education, and heritage management in Nigeria.