A new architecture foundation with an ambitious blueprint to rescue Africa’s brightest architectural minds from the financial cliff that often swallows fresh graduates has emerged in Cross River, with plans to institute a landmark award at the state-owned university.
Ovats Architecture Foundation has already opened talks with the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar, to institute the Linus Ovat Award for Excellence in Architecture, targeting the best graduating student in the university’s Department of Architecture.
In a telephone conversation in Calabar on Wednesday, the founder, Precious Ovat, said the award, expected to debut at UNICROSS’ forthcoming convocation, is projected to become the largest financial prize of its kind among Nigerian universities.
The institution was chosen because Precious Ovat began his tertiary education there when it was still known as CRUTECH (Cross River University of Technology), and because Calabar is his birthplace, a decision he says reflects the belief that charity begins at home.
Beyond the award, Ovat disclosed that the foundation intends to build pathways connecting African architectural talent to local and international opportunities, provide grants to help recent graduates survive the difficult transition into employment, and support undergraduates and postgraduate hopefuls facing financial barriers.
He further explained that architectural competitions, networking events and collaborative programmes are also being developed to link students, graduates and professionals across the industry.
On the vision of the Foundation, Ovat said: “There is extraordinary talent across Africa, but talent needs opportunity and support to reach its full potential.”
“Our ambition is to identify some of the best emerging talent, help develop that talent and create pathways for African architects and designers to access opportunities around the world,” Ovat added.
Explaining the decision to begin with a graduation award, he said: “For many graduates, completing university is only the beginning of another difficult period.”
“You may have the ability and qualifications but still need time to find the right employment, pursue further education or establish yourself professionally.
“We want to provide support during that transition to prevent talented people from being lost to the profession.
“We want recipients to see the award as the beginning of something much bigger. The career after university is where they can contribute to society, so we hope the people who receive these awards will be inspired to build careers that future generations can also look towards,” Ovat noted.
He described the UNICROSS partnership as its first step, with more programmes expected as it expands across Nigeria and, ultimately, the African continent, assuring that “further details will be announced once arrangements are concluded.”
Established on July 19, 2026, by Precious Ovat and formally registered in Nigeria on September 14, 2026, the award series is named after Linus Ovat, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the founder’s father, whose career spanned architecture and public service.
He also rose to serve as Permanent Secretary in Cross River State’s Ministry of Works (2011–2016) and Ministry of Special Projects (2016–2017).
