Theophilus Shittu

Dr Theophilus Shittu is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the BSc Architectural Technology at the University of Northampton, affiliated with the Art & Design school and the Centre for Sustainable Futures (CSF) and Centre for Advanced Smart Technologies (CAST). He holds a UNESCO Chair in Earthen Architecture, Building Cultures and Sustainable Development and is a trustee of both the International Scientific Committee on Conservation of Earthen Architectural Heritage (ISCEAH) and Earth Building UK & Ireland (EBUKI).

Education:

• PhD in Sustainable Repair and Retrofitting of Adobe Building – University of Plymouth (2010)
• MPhil (DSA) in Earthen Architecture and Sustainable Development – Grenoble School of Architecture, France (2004)
• MSc in Architecture – Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria (1995)
• BSc in Architecture – Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria (1994)

Dr Shittu’s research focuses on sustainable built environments, particularly the conservation, adaptation, and resilience of earthen architectural heritage. His work spans sustainable housing, smart cities, climate-resilient settlements, and the intersection of architecture with migration. He promotes low-carbon design and the use of appropriate technologies in both new and retrofitted buildings.

His recent publications explore conservation challenges in Nigerian earthen churches, the role of traditional building guilds, vernacular construction techniques, and the urban impact of migration. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach combining architectural technology, cultural heritage, and sustainability.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• UNESCO Chair in Earthen Architecture, Building Cultures and Sustainable Development

Dr Shittu actively supervises PhD, MPhil, and MRes students and has served as an external examiner and programme validator for universities including London South Bank University, Ulster University, and Liverpool John Moores University. His professional network includes collaborations with ICOMOS Nigeria and international research initiatives on earthen heritage conservation. He is also engaged in public outreach through seminars and media appearances on sustainable construction.

Labs and Research Centres: He is a member of the Centre for Sustainable Futures (CSF) and the Centre for Advanced Smart Technologies (CAST) at the University of Northampton, where his work integrates sustainable design with smart technologies for resilient urban development.