Introduction to Campus Master Plan
The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to enforce the Campus Master Plan (CMP) policies for universities and polytechnics. Dr Ogbonna Chime, the NITP President, made the call while addressing a news conference on Tuesday in Abuja. Chime said the CMPs are crucial for guiding the development of educational institutions, ensuring a well-organised and functional campus layout.
Importance of Campus Master Plan
There is a strong need for every higher Institution of learning to have a master plan prepared for its orderly growth and development. The policy and its implementation regulations are in existence, but it has become necessary for the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to enforce the above regulations with the precision they deserve. NITP is worried that it is the absence of this vital physical guidance document – campus CMP that have continued to cause confusion in the appointment of director of Physical Planning in our various higher institutions.
Role of Town Planners
Conventionally, a consultant Town Planner is saddled with the responsibilities of preparing master plans for our universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education. The document so prepared and approved by the relevant town planning agency of government, controls the orderly physical growth and development of every campus. The NITP president insisted that the implementation of these plans should be handled exclusively by registered Town Planners, noting that they are the most qualified professionals to oversee compliance. Chime added that the appointment of director of physical planning should be the exclusive reserve of registered town planners.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Chime said that NITP has also noted the wrong approach by many state governments in their attempts to mistake Geographic Information System (GIS) for Urban and Regional Planning, Land Surveying and Lands Departments in the management of their land resources. He said that it should be noted that the GIS as a system is not an end to itself but a means to an end, just like other components in land management. The town planning, survey and lands departments produce the raw materials – planning schemes, parcellated survey plans and so on, that make GIS operations relevant.
Urban and Regional Planning
The president said that urban and regional planning plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic advancement of a nation. He commended the Federal and various state governments for taking measures to embrace urban and regional planning through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, ratification of the New Urban Development Policy and for creating Regional Development Commissions across the country’s geopolitical zones. He also commended governors of Lagos, Enugu, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory Minister for the decisive measures taken to actualise certain provisions of urban and regional planning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to enforce the Campus Master Plan (CMP) policies for universities and polytechnics. The implementation of these plans should be handled exclusively by registered Town Planners. Urban and regional planning plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic advancement of a nation, and its full implementation will benefit the nation.
FAQs
Q: What is the Campus Master Plan (CMP)?
A: The Campus Master Plan (CMP) is a document that guides the development of educational institutions, ensuring a well-organised and functional campus layout.
Q: Who should handle the implementation of the Campus Master Plan?
A: The implementation of the Campus Master Plan should be handled exclusively by registered Town Planners.
Q: What is the role of Geographic Information System (GIS) in land management?
A: The GIS as a system is not an end to itself but a means to an end, just like other components in land management.
Q: Why is urban and regional planning important?
A: Urban and regional planning plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic advancement of a nation.
