FUTA Professor Addresses Urban Decay in Nigeria with Sustainable Solutions
Professor Michael Oyinloye of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) highlighted the escalating urban decay and environmental degradation in Nigeria due to unchecked rapid development.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a compelling inaugural lecture titled “Wild, Wide Cities: A Moderating Land Use Management Tool kit,” Professor Michael Oyinloye, a renowned expert in Urban and Regional Planning at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), sounded the alarm on the escalating decay and environmental degradation gripping Nigeria's cities due to unchecked rapid development.
RECOMMENDED: Sky Farm Partners with FUNAAB to Boost Agricultural Education and Empower Graduates
Professor Oyinloye highlighted the adverse effects of uncontrolled urbanization, including urban housing deterioration, poverty, high mortality rates, disease outbreaks, pollution, and reduced biodiversity. He referred to the urbanization in Nigeria as "backwash urbanization," emphasizing its detrimental impacts on social, economic, and environmental aspects of city life.
He noted a concerning trend where residential structures dominate urban landscapes, neglecting the allocation of space for essential community services, transportation, recreation, health facilities, and commercial services. The rapid depletion of land resources, especially in South-Western Nigeria, has exerted immense pressure on ecosystems vital to local societies.
The surge in urbanization has exacerbated environmental degradation, driven by rural-to-urban migration. The resulting challenges for urban managers and policymakers demand timely and reliable information to develop effective solutions.
To address these pressing issues, Professor Oyinloye proposed integrating modern Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, regulating land acquisition, enhancing housing quality, and implementing effective planning and land use regulations. He emphasized the importance of regional development programs and urban agriculture in mitigating the adverse effects of rapid urban development.
He advocated for government oversight in private land use through zoning and encouraged vertical expansion, such as multi-story buildings, to preserve arable land and reduce encroachment.
SEE MORE: UNIOSUN Lecturer Earns Coveted Nigeria Malaria Modelling Fellowship
Professor Oyinloye stressed the significance of monitoring urban growth using GIS and remote sensing technologies. These tools can empower policymakers to formulate informed policies and action plans to prevent environmental degradation and ensure sustainable land use practices.
He recommended establishing modern surveying and mapping centers and providing up-to-date training to nurture indigenous expertise. This approach aims to safeguard the environment, harness natural resources, boost the economy, and enhance food production capacity, fostering national self-reliance.
Professor Adenike Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor of FUTA, praised Professor Oyinloye's insightful lecture, describing him as an innovative teacher, researcher, leader, and mentor with a profound impact on society.
The urgent call to action by Professor Oyinloye underscores the need for sustainable urban planning and management in Nigeria. Adopting his recommendations could pave the way for environmentally conscious and resilient cities that prioritize the well-being of their residents while preserving natural resources for future generations.
