Stakeholders at the Abuja Interior and Furniture Virtual Expo have called for the introduction of Furniture Manufacturing degree programs in Nigerian universities, spanning from undergraduate to PhD levels.
Speaking at the virtual event, Project Coordinator Faisal Jafar Rafindadi stressed the need for structured academic training to develop local expertise, reduce reliance on imports, and drive economic self-sufficiency.
“Nigeria has a vibrant furniture industry, but we need structured academic programs to train professionals who can innovate and manufacture to global standards. If we invest in specialized education, we can reduce dependence on imports and create more jobs in the sector,” Rafindadi stated.
He urged the National Universities Commission (NUC) to incorporate Furniture Manufacturing into university curricula, emphasizing its potential to boost job creation and strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
Government and Industry Support
Dr. Kabir Mustapha, Director of Contact and Mobilization, highlighted that the initiative aligns with government efforts to diversify the economy through innovation and skill development.
“We see this as an opportunity to encourage investment, innovation, and skill development in the interior and furniture industry,” he said.
The two-day event, supported by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and key industry bodies, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology and positioning Abuja as a leading hub for interior design and furniture manufacturing in Africa.