A newly established architecture foundation founded by architect Precious Enanga-che Ovat has moved to tackle the difficult transition from university to professional practice for young architects, beginning with a proposed award for the best graduating architecture student at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Calabar.

The Ovats Architecture Foundation, founded by Precious Ovat, is currently discussing with the university the establishment of the Linus Ovat’s Award for Excellence in Architecture.

The proposed award is expected to recognise the best graduating student in the Department of Architecture and make its debut at UNICROSS’s forthcoming convocation.

The foundation said it also plans to develop the prize into the largest financial award for architecture graduates among Nigerian universities.

Precious Ovat said the initiative was designed to ensure that talented graduates were not lost to the profession because of financial difficulties encountered after leaving university.

“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,” he said.

Ovat said the foundation would provide support during the transition, including financial assistance to eligible graduates while they search for employment and establish themselves professionally.

According to him, the organisation also plans to support undergraduates and recent graduates seeking postgraduate education where financial constraints could prevent them from continuing their studies.

He said the foundation would identify promising architectural talent across Africa and create pathways for young architects and designers to access opportunities locally and internationally.

“There is extraordinary talent across Africa, but talent needs opportunity and support to reach its full potential,” Precious Ovat said.

He added that the foundation planned to organise architectural competitions, networking opportunities and collaborative programmes through which students, graduates and professionals could exchange ideas and develop their skills.

The foundation, established on July 19, 2026 and formally registered in Nigeria on September 14, said UNICROSS was chosen for its inaugural programme because Precious Ovat began his tertiary education at the institution, then known as CRUTECH, while Calabar is also his birthplace.

The inaugural award will be named after his father, architect Linus Ovat, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects who served in senior positions in the Cross River State Government, including as Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Works and Special Projects.

The foundation said its collaboration with UNICROSS would be the first in a series of programmes aimed at strengthening the pipeline from architectural education to professional practice in Nigeria and, subsequently, across Africa.