CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Master plan is aimed to act like a tool for promoting growth and to regulate the existing and

forthcoming development of towns and cities. It is a course of action rather than a conclusive

statement giving vision of next two to three decades envisaging the upcoming growth of

population, economic development potentials, infrastructural requirements and ecological

ameliorations expected to occur for a particular area. This document ascertains entitlement of

land for diverse uses, provision of civic infrastructure and development of areas of conservation

and along with this providing detailed zoning regulation to regulate the development of the area.

Therefore this document not only involves plan preparation exercise but execution of plan and

quality of this document is of great concern (Kaushal, 2020).

The need to prepare master plans to guide the growth, development and investments in urban

settlements is no longer a contestable issue among government, policy and decision makers. This

is based on the realization that urban settlements i.e. the built environment, are reflection of the

society’s social, cultural, economic, technological achievement and aspiration (Ubani et al.,

2014). City development however involves huge resource investment by both the public and

private sectors. Government spend huge sum of money annually in the construction and

maintenance of roads, drainages, water, electricity, waste management, schools, markets etc,

while individual households and firms make daily investment on housing, transportation,

industries, and commercial ventures.

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All these investments and decisions cannot be left unguided; otherwise the objectives of making

these decisions and investments may be defeated. Master plans that stipulates where, who, how

and when urban land is to be used to create conducive and functional environment where all

elements of the city are harmonized for the enjoyment of the citizens has to be prepared. Indeed,

it is argued that master plans are the necessary conditions for successful economic and social

growth as the former rationalizes the use of the later (Ubani et al., 2014).

In term of campus planning, Neuman, (2004) stated that there are three (3) aspects that should be

emphasized; accessibility, safety and social engagement. Benue State University Makurdi

Campus, established in 1991 by the Benue State Government, stands as a prominent institution

of higher education in Nigeria. Located in the capital city of Makurdi, the University is sited on

the South Bank of the River. The site stretches from the Bridge head to KM 3 along Gboko road,

occupying a surface land area of approximately 202.77 hectares. The campus boasts an

expansive and picturesque environment that encompasses academic facilities, residential halls,

and recreational spaces. Offering a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs

across various faculties, the university draws students from different regions and backgrounds.

Despite its academic prowess, the campus may face challenges related to infrastructure and

resources, prompting the need for a review of the physical master plan which. Understanding the

historical development and current state of the campus provides crucial context for evaluating

and proposing enhancements in line with academic, infrastructural, and community-oriented

goals. Given the array of entrenched challenges faced by the Benue State University Campus, a

comprehensive review of its master plan is imperative. The existing issues, ranging from

inadequate academic support and overcrowded classrooms to insufficient teaching staff and

infrastructure maintenance, are indicative of a system struggling to meet the demands of its

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growing student population. A master plan review provides an opportunity to strategically

address these pressing concerns. By reassessing the allocation of Landuses, infrastructure

development, and academic support structures, the university can realign its priorities to

effectively cater to the needs of its students and faculty. This proactive approach not only

rectifies current deficiencies but also ensures that future growth and development are well-

managed, ultimately enhancing the quality of education offered at the campus.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The Benue State University campus master plan, commissioned in 1992 by the responsible body

for physical development, aimed to address various challenges posed by the organic growth of

the campus. Prior to its introduction, the campus faced a range of issues encompassing physical,

social, and economic aspects. These included inadequate access to piped water, unreliable power

supply, substandard road conditions, a deficient drainage system, inadequate recreation facilities,

inadequate lecture rooms and hostels and sanitary facilities. Additionally, unplanned clustering

of structures, strain on existing healthcare facility, limited connectivity, and a dearth of social

infrastructure like lecture halls, Hostels, libraries, waste management facilities and recreation

facilities were evident.

The social fabric was further strained by a surge in student population. This exacerbated the

inadequacies in technical and general infrastructure. Economically, there were concerns over

haphazard land usage and misuse, as well as an underdeveloped market hindering profitable

transactions. While the master plan has been the guiding framework for physical development

since its adoption, the persistence of these challenges raises questions about its ability to achieve

full implementation within the designated phases. In light of this, deliberations on the next

course of action are imperative. This may entail a comprehensive review of the implementation

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strategies or a reassessment of the proposals themselves. This thorough evaluation will be pivotal

in steering the campus towards a more sustainable and thriving future.

1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

The Master Plan document serves as a guiding policy for the physical development of a specific

geographical area over a substantial period. It encompasses an inventory of the current state of

development in the designated area and outlines proposals for future development. These

proposals represent the targeted requirements that the document aims to address once adopted.

The successful implementation of these requirements will determine the extent of achievement

for the designated geographical area. In the case of Benue State University (BSU) campus, the

Master Plan is no exception. The degree of accomplishment of the plan for the campus's area

hinges on the effective execution of its stipulated requirements. This study seeks to evaluate the

implementation of the BSU Master Plan to ascertain the level of attainment of its proposed

objectives for the campus. While previous research has indicated that urban areas in Nigeria

often struggle to meet the requirements outlined in their respective Master Plans due to factors

such as political interference and bureaucratic hurdles in the implementation process, it is crucial

to note that the specific circumstances surrounding the Benue State University Campus Master

Plan have yet to be thoroughly examined. This forms the central focus of this study.

1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.4.1 Aim

To review the existing Master Plan of Benue State University Makurdi

1.4.2 Objectives

i. To evaluate the effectiveness of the current Master Plan

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 ii. To identify key areas for improvement and enhancement

iii. To propose a forward-looking and Sustainable Master Plan

1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will to be conducted over a limited timeframe of just five months and will focus on a

comprehensive evaluation and proposed enhancements to the physical master plan of Benue

State University Makurdi Campus. This will encompass an analysis of existing infrastructure,

land use zoning, accessibility, green spaces, and sustainability practices. The study will also

involve a comparative analysis with best practices in university campus planning to ensure

alignment with standards. However, it's crucial to acknowledge certain constraints. Due to

financial limitations, the production of detailed graphical designs may be restricted. The study

will instead prioritize detailed written descriptions, supplemented by rough sketches and

diagrams where feasible. It's important to note that unforeseen external factors or future

developments could influence the long-term viability of the proposed master plan. Nevertheless,

within these constraints, the study aims to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment

for the improvement of Benue State University Makurdi Campus's physical master plan.

1.6 STUDY AREA

1.6.1 Benue State

Benue State as it exists today is a surviving legacy of an administrative entity which was carved

out of the protectorate of northern Nigeria at the beginning of the twentieth century. The territory

was initially known as Munshi Province until 1918 when the name of its dominant geographical

feature, the River Benue was adopted. As an administrative unit, Benue State was first created on

February 3, 1976. It was one of the seven states created by the military administration headed by

the late General Murtala Mohammed, which increased the number of states in the country from

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13 to 19. In 1991 its boundaries were adjusted with the creation of Kogi State. The new Benue

State of today has twenty (23) local government areas, which are administered by local

government councils. Benue State lies within the lower river Benue trough in the middle belt

region of Nigeria. Its geographic coordinates are longitude 7° 47° and 10° 0? East. Latitude 6°

25° and 8° 8 North; and shares boundaries with five other states namely: Nassarawa to the north,

Taraba to the east, Cross-River to the south, Enugu to the south-west and Kogi to the west. The

state also shares a common boundary with the Republic of Cameroun on the south-east. Benue

has a population of 4,780,389 (2006 census) and occupies a landmass of 32,518 square

kilometers. The state comprised of several ethnic groups: Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Abakpa,

Jukun, Hausa, Akweya and Nyifon.

Figure 1: Map of Benue State showing Makurdi

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1.6.2 Benue State University Makurdi

Location: The Benue State University is located in Makurdi the capital of Benue State of

Nigeria. Geographically, the Town Makurdi locates within latitudes 80N and 90N, and

longitudes 90E and 110E. It situates at almost the geographical centre of Nigeria, and about

250km to the South; South East of Abuja the Federal Capital of Nigeria. Makurdi Town is

situated on both the North and South Banks of River Benue. The University is sited on the South

Bank of the River. The site stretches from the Bridge head to KM 3 along Gboko road,

occupying a surface land area of approximately 202.77 ha. Makurdi is connected to the rest of

the country by a Network of Roads, a Railway, an Airport, and In-Land Water Way.

Accessibility: The University Site can be easily accessed through three major routes from the

dual carriage Makurdi - Gboko road. Two of such access roads are in existence. A third major

access road from the dual carriage Makurdi - Gboko road is proposed to run from almost the

center of the site. This central road appears to be focused, and gives character to the entire

University Site. (See figure 2)

Legal Interest over the Site: The present site of Benue State University was acquired piece

meal. Originally the site was occupied by Government Girls Secondary School on the Eastern

side; the Zoological garden and government Day secondary School on the central side; and the

Technical College on the Western side. The Law establishing the Benue State University

formally transferred all legal titles in and upon the said pieces of land to the Benue State

University. This is to say that Benue State University has Statutory Right of Occupancy over the

site covered in the perimeter survey.

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Market and Amenity Survey: Makurdi Town is well known in and outside Benue State for a

good number of seasons. It is the capital of Benue State, and the base of the Food Basket of

Nigeria. It is the strong hold of the Nigeria Air Force, and the home of the Nigeria Army School

of Military Engineering (NASME). It is also one of few NNPC Depot Towns in the Middle belt.

Benue State generally is known for her rich Arts, Culture, and Hospitality. Makurdi as the

Capital offers these more than any other part of the State. Although the State is not highly

industrialized, most of the existing ones are located within Makurdi and environs. They include:

The Benue Breweries Ltd; Benco Roofing Tiles Company; The Metro-Plastic Industry, and the

Agro-Milling Company to mention a few.

Educational activities are very vibrant in Makurdi and the State at large. Within Makurdi are; the

Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi; School of Advanced Professional Studies, School of

Nursing and Midwifery, and a host of Public and Private Secondary and Primary Schools. The

Town is provided with infrastructural facilities including good Road Networks, Electricity,

Water supply, and Telephone lines.

Makurdi Town where the University is located falls within the tropical hinterland which

experiences two climatic seasons namely; the rainy season, and the dry season. The two seasons

are as a result of the alternative dominance of the two major prevailing winds. These are

i. The tropical maritime air mass (South West Trade winds) which brings rainfall between

April - October. Because the wind comes from the Southwest with warm and humid air

and drops its moisture progressively Northeast ward, rainfall diminishes from south to

north.

ii. The tropical continental air masses (Harmattan winds) which sets in from November,

ringing in dry Season which begins to give way in March.

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In conclusion, Makurdi Town is very capable of providing all support services to the Benue State

University.

BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY MAKURDI

Figure 2: Showing the Location of Benue state University in Makurdi Town.