CAREER ASPIRATIONS OF ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION IN NIGERIA

This paper explored the career aspirations of architecture students in selected Nigerian higher institutions. The study became necessary in view of the dwindling retention rate of architecture graduates in the architecture profession. Consequently, the paper sought to answer three questions: Why would architecture students want to explore other career options? What careers do they intend to pursue? And does their training in architecture equip them for their desired careers?.

The study adopted a quantitative method using a structured questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. Respondents were randomly drawn from students currently studying architecture in selected higher institutions in Ogun State and Lagos State Southwest Nigeria. Data was analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Findings from the study indicate that there is a variance in the career aspirations of architecture students in public and private schools of Architecture. It is hoped that the findings of this study will help the Architectural Professional bodies, schools of Architecture and government in evolving policies aimed at retaining graduates of architecture in the profession and this may require broadening the professional scope of architectural practice in Nigeria.