..feat attained by legacy of founding fathers – HOD

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), at its just concluded 56th international conference crowned the Reverend Father Moses Oshio Adasu University, Makurdi, MOAUM,  as the best Urban and Regional Planning school in the country.

This came after the University won the first and third prizes in the recently organised national quiz by the Institute. Two students that represented the University, Mercy Targema and Jacob Gilima won the first and third prizes respectively.

The Head of Department, HOD of the Urban and Regional Planning Department of the University, Prof. Irene Mngutyo, attributed the emergence of the University as the best Urban and Regional Planning institution in the country to the culture of integrity, discipline and hard work laid by the founding fathers of the Department.

She said the legacy of the founding fathers propelled the department to national prominence, emphasising “this department was laid on the foundation of integrity and hard work by scholars like Professors Timothy Gyuse, Davidson Alaci and Sylvester Iorliam.

“And our students are trained to think, act and dress like professionals. Over time, this culture has paid off,” she explained.

To sustain the momentum, the HOD said the department was constantly upgrading and gaining exposure in line with evolving urban realities. “Planning is evolving, cities are evolving, and so are the challenges. We keep our students abreast of Nigeria’s realities and global trends, technologies, theories, and practice. No shortcuts,” she said.

Prof. Mngutyo disclosed that the department enjoys robust collaboration with some critical state institutions, particularly the Urban Development Board and Benue Geographic Information System, BENGIS.

The department also routinely conducts practical planning exercises in markets and urban areas, producing modern solutions to Makurdi’s urban challenges. “Most of the problems disturbing Makurdi town have been solved in our students’ projects. But government does not know, they are lying on our shelves.”

She also pointed out that the Department had produced many graduates who occupy key positions in the urban and regional planning sector nation wide. “For instance, the just retired Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, Tpl Murktah Galadima; the current National Public Relations Secretary of the NITP, Dr Chiahemba J. Nor;  a Deputy Director with FCDA, Dr Tom Edward;   the current General Manager of the Benue State Urban Development Board, Tpl Ternongo Mede;  among others.

She assured that the Department would  continue to be a shining light and beacon of knowledge in the building environment.

The HOD also urged the government to domesticate the 1992 Town Planning Act, saying it would unlock the full potential of planners in Benue State. “Give us an enabling environment. Other states like Lagos have domesticated the law and are doing better. If Benue does the same, you will feel the impact of planning,” she said.

Prof. Mngutyo appealed to residents to understand that planning is in their own interest saying “do not build on setbacks, clear your gutters, plant trees. Makurdi is getting too hot we need more parks, more shade, more trees. Planners can make the city more livable if given the chance.”

On the ongoing demolition of structures along the Makurdi-Enugu road, she said many losses could have been avoided. “Town planning requires that buildings sit 45 meters from the road centreline. If people had obeyed setbacks, damage would be minimal. Development must happen.”

For the Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Daniel Ortserga, the victory was a confirmation of the faculty’s quality. “When I heard the news, I was thrilled. We train the students, but we had no way of gauging the extent of knowledge, now we know we have been doing our job,” he said.

Prof. Ortserga lauded the capacity of the Prof. Mngutyo under whose watch the institution attained the feat saying “women are equally endowed with intelligence and energy.”

Students across various levels also expressed excitement and renewed motivation over the feat. Elated Justice Onuh, a 400 level student of the Department said “our lecturers are trying their best to produce top planners. I will work harder to make the department proud.”

On her part, a 200 level student, Felicia Iornenge said “I am so happy about our new status as a Department. I will study more and put in effort to sustain this status.” Also, James Zagwa, a 100 level student said “It feels good to be part of this great feat. Just like other students, I will relentlessly put in my best to help ensure that our new status is sustained.”