Bridging The Gap Between Academia and Industry: Arcon’s Accreditation Process

• Author(s): Ogunnaike A. ; Onyerionwu Y. ; Oseghe D.
• Paper ID: 1709441
• Page: 1823-1832
• Published Date: 10-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 12 June-2025

Abstract

This study critically examines the accreditation process of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and its effectiveness in bridging the persistent gap between academic instruction and professional practice in Nigerian architectural education. Through qualitative research involving non-participant observation and document analysis at two ARCON-accredited institutions, Caleb University and the University of Lagos, the study investigates how the current accreditation framework influences curriculum development, skill acquisition, and industry alignment. Findings reveal that while both institutions demonstrate strong administrative compliance with ARCON requirements, significant challenges remain in areas of industry integration, technology adoption, and practice-based learning. The University of Lagos showed superior performance in curriculum flexibility and digital tool integration compared to Caleb University, though both institutions struggled with meaningful industry partnerships. The study concludes that ARCON's accreditation process, while maintaining regulatory oversight, operates primarily as a compliance mechanism rather than a transformative tool for educational innovation. The research recommends transitioning toward outcome-based evaluation models, institutionalizing practice-based learning components, strengthening formal industry-academia partnerships, improving digital infrastructure, and enhancing transparency in accreditation processes to better align architectural education with contemporary professional demands.

Keywords

Architectural Education, Accreditation Process, Academia-Industry Gap, Professional Practice, Curriculum Development

Citations

IRE Journals:
Ogunnaike A. , Onyerionwu Y. , Oseghe D. "Bridging The Gap Between Academia and Industry: Arcon’s Accreditation Process" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 12 2025 Page 1823-1832

IEEE:
Ogunnaike A. , Onyerionwu Y. , Oseghe D. "Bridging The Gap Between Academia and Industry: Arcon’s Accreditation Process" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(12)