A Cross River-born landscape architect, Precious Ovat, has unveiled Ovats Architecture Foundation to support emerging architectural talent across Africa with particular interest in Architecture graduates of the University of Cross River State and across other Nigerian universities.
Ovat disclosed this while addressing journalists in Calabar, saying the foundation was founded on July 19, 2026, adding that it coincided with the birthday of his father.
According to him, the organisation was registered in Nigeria on September 14, 2026.
He stated that as its first major programme, the foundation has commenced discussions with the University of Cross River State for the establishment of the Linus Ovat’s Award for Excellence in Architecture, a flagship initiative to identify Africa’s most promising emerging architectural talents and create pathways for them to access opportunities locally and internationally.
Ovat stressed that the proposed award would recognise the best graduating student in the university’s Department of Architecture and was expected to debut at the institution’s forthcoming convocation this year,
He explained that the institution was chosen for the initiative because he started his tertiary education in the institution when it was known as Cross River University of Technology.
“Calabar is also my place of birth, and I believe charity begins at home. The discussions with the university have generated enthusiasm, with further details expected after arrangements are concluded.
“This institution was chosen for the initiative because I started my tertiary education in the institution when it was known as Cross River University of Technology,” he emphasised.
He said the foundation’s inaugural award series would be named after his father, Linus, who was an experienced Nigerian architect and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
He further highlighted that during his father’s active service, his career spanned architecture and public service, with involvement in several projects in Nigeria and senior positions in the Cross River State Government, including Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works from 2011 to 2016 and Ministry of Special Projects from 2016 to 2017.
Ovat said through this approach, he aimed to contribute to the visibility of highly skilled African professionals capable of addressing critical challenges facing architecture, cities and landscapes, stressing that the organisation would also provide financial support to eligible graduates during the transition between university and employment.
