The presentation of Prof. Gareth Doherty’s 2024 Honorary Fellowship became a platform for advancing Landscape Architecture education and collaboration in Nigeria and West Africa.

In the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom at the University of Lagos, traditional leadership, international academia, and leaders of Nigeria’s Landscape Architecture profession gathered for an occasion that proved to be about much more than the presentation of an honour.

The Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN) formally presented its Honorary Fellowship insignia, plaque, and certificate to internationally acclaimed landscape architect and academic, Prof. Gareth Doherty. Although the Fellowship was conferred by the Society’s National Executive Council in 2024, the opportunity for its formal presentation came during Prof. Doherty’s visit to Lagos for the Lagos Policy Summit.

Beyond recognising an accomplished scholar, the ceremony became a platform for conversations on Landscape Architecture education, professional practice, and strategic collaboration within Nigeria, across West Africa, and with institutions around the world.

What began as a departmental engagement was elevated to the Vice Chancellor’s Boardroom, reflecting the University’s recognition of the growing importance of Landscape Architecture in addressing environmental stewardship, ecological resilience, and sustainable urban development.

The choice of the University of Lagos was both fitting and strategic. Together with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the University pioneered postgraduate Landscape Architecture education in Nigeria, laying the academic foundation for the profession. The University of Lagos later became the first Nigerian university to establish a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture programme and, through its Faculty of Architecture, continues to advance interdisciplinary education in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, and Interior Architecture and Design.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Matthew Olusoji Ilori, presided over the ceremony and delivered the Vice Chancellor’s address. Also in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Muyiwa Falaiye, the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Prof. Kayode Adebayo, and other senior members of the University community.

In her message, the Vice Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design and commended SLAN for its sustained advocacy in advancing Landscape Architecture education despite persistent misconceptions about the profession.

Welcoming guests, the Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, Prof. Nnezi Uduma-Olugu, reflected on the discipline’s progress in Nigeria and called for stronger partnerships among universities, professional bodies, and international institutions to enrich teaching, research, innovation, and professional practice.

Delivering the President’s Address, SLAN President, Dr. Atumye Amos Alao, described the occasion as a reflection of the Society’s long-term vision for the profession.

“Every honour a profession bestows is, in some measure, a statement about itself,” he said. “If Landscape Architecture is to thrive in Nigeria, it must first take firm root in our schools.”

Dr. Alao noted that SLAN’s decision to honour Prof. Doherty recognised not only his internationally respected scholarship but also his sustained engagement with African landscapes and his commitment to strengthening academic exchange and professional collaboration between Africa and the wider global Landscape Architecture community.

The formal citation was read by Dr. John Adesina, after which the Honorary Fellowship insignia, plaque, and certificate were presented to Prof. Doherty.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Doherty thanked the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria for the honour and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the University of Lagos for hosting the ceremony. He described the recognition as both humbling and deeply meaningful, reaffirming his commitment to supporting the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, the University, and the wider profession through collaborative research, academic exchange, and stronger international networks for students, researchers, and practitioners.

In his closing remarks, Prof. Ilori reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting Landscape Architecture education and the profession. He pledged the University’s support for closer collaboration with SLAN in advancing teaching, research, and professional practice towards healthier, more resilient, and sustainable environments.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Arc. Dapo Adesiyun, Chairman of SLAN’s South West Chapter.

Among the distinguished guests were Prof. Jacob K. Olupona of Harvard Divinity School and Her Royal Highness Princess Adedoyin Talabi Faniyi, Traditional Custodian of the Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove, whose presence underscored the close relationship between landscape, culture, and heritage.

For SLAN, the ceremony represented far more than the presentation of an honour. It reaffirmed a shared commitment between the Society and the University of Lagos to strengthen Landscape Architecture education, deepen collaboration, and prepare a new generation of professionals capable of shaping healthier, more resilient, and sustainable communities across Nigeria and West Africa.