Professionals, not Politicians, Should Build Nigeria – UNILORIN VC Egbewole

In a lecture at the 10th Waheed Kadiri Lecture Series in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, emphasized the importance of professionals, rather than politicians, in building Nigeria.

The lecture, titled “Town Planners, Sustainable Development, and Nation Building,” was organized by the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners in honor of the former Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Dr. Waheed Kadiri.

Egbewole, a legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, argued that leaving Nigeria’s development solely in the hands of politicians is dangerous.

He said that “to a large extent, our decision-makers are illiterate,” and stressed the need for professionals to take charge in building the nation.

The UNILORIN VC urged town planners to promote lively and self-sustaining communities by being ingenious in their planning.

He suggested a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational land uses and enforcing zoning restrictions to allow for mixed-use projects, which would foster a sense of community and reduce commuting distances.

Egbewole also highlighted the importance of people-centered planning, which he called “Peoples Leading in Addressing their Needs (PLAN).”

He stated that targeted beneficiaries should take leading roles in the conception and implementation of plans.

In his remarks, Dr. Waheed Kadiri called for strict implementation of government policies and plans on urban regeneration to prevent natural disasters.

The lecture emphasized the need for professionals, particularly town planners, to take an active role in building Nigeria, rather than leaving it solely to politicians.

The focus should be on sustainable development and a people-centered approach to ensure a better future for the nation.