By Praise Chinecherem

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its Department of Urban and Regional Planning (URP) through a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to build a state-of-the-art modelling studio.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving members of the institute during a courtesy visit to the institution as part of activities marking NITP’s 60th anniversary.

Beyond the proposed modelling studio, the Vice-Chancellor pledged to fast-track the department’s accreditation and provide additional classroom facilities to enhance teaching and learning.

“We don’t need to wait too long to get the department accredited. We’re targeting February,” Anyaehie said.

He added:

“We’re also putting up more structures to ensure our students learn in a conducive environment. We’ll work together to see what we can do so that students of Urban and Regional Planning enjoy the same opportunities as others.”

Earlier, Anambra State Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Prof. Chinedu Okoye, said the modelling studio had become indispensable, describing it as one of the key conditions set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for full accreditation of the department.

According to him, the department secured interim accreditation last year but was directed to provide a functional modelling studio before full accreditation could be granted.

“Last year, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning received interim accreditation from the NUC, during which we were informed that a modelling studio is required,” Okoye said.

He revealed that architectural designs for the proposed facility had already been completed and submitted to the Vice-Chancellor’s office for approval.

“We’ve already prepared and submitted the design for the studio. We’re optimistic it will receive the university’s approval soon.”

Okoye also appealed to the university management to support the department during the ongoing admission exercise by increasing its student intake, noting that recent adjustments to admission requirements now make it possible to admit more qualified candidates.

“We currently have more than 100 students in 200 level, but just over 20 students in 300 level. We need your support in admitting more students, especially now that the admission requirements have been modified.”

In a move aimed at promoting academic excellence, Okoye announced that the institute had instituted an annual cash prize and certificate award for the department’s Best Graduating Student.

“The award will encourage healthy competition, reward excellence and inspire future town planners to pursue the profession with dedication, integrity and innovation,” he said.

Speaking to students during the visit, NITP member and lecturer at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Mr. Ijeomah Obinna, urged them to remain focused on their studies, assuring them that the profession offers enormous career prospects.

“Take your studies seriously. Urban and Regional Planning is a profession with limitless opportunities for those who are committed and well-prepared.”

The visit formed part of activities commemorating the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners’ 60th anniversary, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to advancing planning education and producing professionals capable of driving sustainable urban development in Nigeria.