The Abuja Interior and Furniture Virtual Expo’s project coordinator, Faisal Jafar Rafindadi, has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to introduce degree programmes in Furniture Manufacturing, spanning undergraduate to PhD levels.
Speaking at the inaugural Abuja Interior and Furniture Expo over the weekend, Rafindadi emphasised that such programmes would strengthen Nigeria’s furniture industry by equipping local professionals with the skills to meet international standards and compete with imported products.
“Nigeria has a vibrant furniture industry, but we need structured academic programmes to train professionals who can innovate and manufacture to global standards. If we invest in specialised education, we can reduce dependence on imports and create more jobs in the sector,” he said.
He highlighted the need to develop indigenous talent, adding that integrating furniture manufacturing into university curricula would enhance product quality and boost economic self-sufficiency.
Rafindadi urged stakeholders in education and manufacturing to support the initiative, noting that a skilled workforce is crucial for transforming Nigeria’s furniture industry into a global player.
Meanwhile, Dr Kabir Mustapha, director of contact and mobilisation, noted that the expo aligns with the government’s economic diversification efforts.
“We see this as an opportunity to encourage investment, innovation, and skill development in the interior and furniture industry,” he said.
With plans to transition to a physical event later in the year, the expo aims to establish Abuja as a key hub for interior design excellence in Africa, fostering business collaborations and driving industry growth.
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