In a surprising turn of events, the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has expressed concerns over the hiring practices of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria.
The NITP argues that the hospital’s decision to hire a director of physical planning without considering town planning professionals is a step backward for the country’s development.
The advertisement, which was published in the Sun Newspaper on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, has been criticized for not requiring a qualification in Urban and Regional Planning for the position of Director of Physical Planning.
Freedom Square TV gathered according to a letter signed by its National Secretary,TPL. Dr. Zayyanu Muhammed, FNITP, the NITP highlights the importance of urban and regional planning in achieving national development goals, citing efficient land use management, optimal land allocation, and utilization as key benefits.
The institute also points out that the hospital’s lack of consideration for town planning professionals in the hiring process is a reflection of a larger issue – the lack of professional planning and institutional capacity for integrated spatial development in Nigeria.
The NITP acknowledged the hospital’s efforts to provide special health care services to Nigerians in the South Eastern Region, but emphasizes that this should not come at the expense of proper planning and development.
The decision has been described as a “great disservice” to the Urban and Regional Planning profession, which is at the forefront of managing urban, agricultural, and industrial areas.
The Urban and Regional Planning profession plays a critical role in ensuring ecological balance, infrastructure optimization, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic development.
The profession is responsible for coordinating facilities, health services, and housing development, as well as managing urban expansion, protecting green spaces, and maintaining public health.
Experts argue that the omission of Urban and Regional Planning professionals from the advertisement is a significant oversight, given the critical role they play in shaping the physical and economic landscape of cities and regions. The Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act, CAP N138, LFN 2004, and its corresponding state-level counterparts, mandate Town Planning professionals to oversee the implementation of master plans for towns, cities, and institutions.
The omission has sparked a heated debate among professionals in the field, with many calling for the institution to recognize the value of Urban and Regional Planning expertise in shaping the future of cities and regions.
Dr. Muhammed therefore , urged the management of the hospital to withdraw the earlier advertisement and publish a fresh one that requires a major qualification in Urban and Regional Planning for the position.