NITP names MOAUM Nigeria’s Best Urban and Regional Planning varsity

By James Ike

The Reverend Father Moses Oshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM), has been crowned Nigeria’s Best Urban and Regional Planning institution by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) at its 56th International Conference.

The honour followed the university’s outstanding performance in the national quiz competition, where MOAUM students Mercy Targema and Jacob Gilima clinched the first and third positions respectively.

Prof. Irene Mngutyo, Head of the Urban and Regional Planning Department, of the university said the recognition was a direct reward for the department’s enduring values.

“Our emergence as the best planning school in Nigeria is not accidental. 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 noted that the department consistently updates its curriculum to align with global realities. “Planning is evolving, cities are evolving, and so are the challenges,” she said.

“We keep our students abreast of Nigeria’s realities and global trends, technologies, theories, and practice. No shortcuts.”

Prof. Mngutyo highlighted the department’s collaboration with institutions such as the Benue State Urban Development Board and the Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), adding that students routinely conduct practical fieldwork and develop real-life solutions to urban problems.

“Most of the problems disturbing Makurdi town have been solved in our students’ projects,” she revealed. “But government does not know; they are lying on our shelves.”

She also celebrated the department’s alumni, who hold key positions nationwide.
“The just-retired Director of Development Control in the FCT, Tpl. Murktah Galadima; NITP National Public Relations Secretary, Dr. Chiahemba J. Nor; Deputy Director at FCDA, Dr. Tom Edward; and the General Manager of the Benue Urban Development Board, Ternongo Mede, are all products of this department,” she said.

Prof. Mngutyo urged the Benue State Government to domesticate the 1992 Town Planning Act to unlock the full potential of professional planners in the state.

“Give us an enabling environment,” she appealed. “Lagos has domesticated the law and is doing better. If Benue does the same, you will feel the impact of planning.”

On the ongoing demolition along the Makurdi–Enugu Road, she said the destruction might have been reduced if residents adhered to planning regulations.
“Town planning requires that buildings sit 45 metres from the road centreline,” she explained. “If people had obeyed setbacks, damage would be minimal. Development must happen.”

She also encouraged residents to embrace responsible urban behaviour. “Do not build on setbacks, clear your gutters, plant trees,” she advised. “Makurdi is getting too hot. We need more parks, more shade, more trees. Planners can make the city more livable if given the chance.”

Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Daniel Ortserga, described the feat as a validation of the faculty’s academic excellence.

“When I heard the news, I was thrilled,” he said. “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 commended Prof. Mngutyo’s leadership, noting: “Women are equally endowed with intelligence and energy.”

Students across all levels were jubilant.
Justice Onuh, a 400-level student, said: “Our lecturers are trying their best to produce top planners. I will work harder to make the department proud.”

Felicia Iornenge, a 200-level student, added: “I am so happy about our new status. I will study more and put in effort to sustain it.”

For 100-level student James Zagwa, the recognition is a source of pride: “It feels good to be part of this great feat. I will relentlessly put in my best to ensure our new status is sustained.”