By Chinedum Treasure
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has expressed readiness to partner with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) to build a modeling studio for the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (URP), describing the facility as vital for the department’s accreditation and students’ practical training.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bond Anyaehie, gave the assurance while receiving members of the institute during a visit marking NITP’s 60th anniversary.
He pledged to fast-track the department’s accreditation, targetting completion by February, while also promising additional classrooms to improve the learning environment.
State Vice Chairman of NITP and Head of the Department, Prof. Chinedu Okoye, said the modeling studio was a key requirement identified by the National Universities Commission (NUC) during the department’s interim accreditation.
He appealed for approval of the studio design already submitted to the university and called for increased student admission into the programme.
Okoye also announced that the institute had introduced an annual cash prize and certificate for the department’s best graduating student to encourage academic excellence.
Former Head of Department, Dr. Alom Anselem, explained that the studio was indispensable because urban planning designs require physical models, adding that every URP student must acquire practical modeling skills before graduation.
Tags: UNIZIK, NITP, Urban Planning, Anambra State
