B.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning

Colleges and Faculties > College of Engineering and Environmental Studies (CEES) > Faculty of Environmental Studies > Department of Urban and Regional Planning > B.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning

The B.Sc. in Urban and Regional Planning prepares you to become a professional planner capable of designing, managing, and guiding the physical and socio-economic growth of human settlements. Urban planners play a vital role in shaping sustainable communities, balancing development needs with environmental protection, and ensuring efficient use of land and resources.

At OOU, the programme blends theory with practice to provide you with the analytical, technical, and policy skills needed to address urbanisation challenges in Nigeria and globally. You will explore how to create liveable cities, improve housing and transport systems, and design inclusive spaces that foster economic growth and social well-being. 

Course Overview

The programme is a five-year (ten-semester) professional degree designed in line with the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

You will study a combination of courses from the physical sciences, social sciences, and environmental studies. The curriculum integrates planning theory, design studios, environmental management, land economics, urban design, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).

Through fieldwork, studio projects, and professional internships, you will gain hands-on experience in preparing physical development plans, spatial layouts, and regional policies. The programme culminates in a final-year research project and an individual planning design exercise that demonstrates your mastery of professional planning practice.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to develop both technical and managerial competence progressively across five academic levels.

  1. Introduction to the Built Environment
  2. Principles of Urban and Regional Planning
  3. General Mathematics and Statistics
  4. Introduction to Geography and Environment
  5. Communication Skills
  6. Computer Applications
  7. General Studies (Use of English, Nigerian People and Culture)
  1. Urban Planning Principles and Techniques
  2. Site Planning and Analysis
  3. Cartography and Map Interpretation
  4. Planning Law and Administration
  5. Environmental Management and Ecology
  6. Land Economics
  7. Technical Drawing and Graphics
  8. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  1. Urban Design and Landscape Planning
  2. Transportation Planning
  3. Housing and Community Development
  4. Urban Sociology and Demography
  5. Planning Research Methods
  6. GIS and Remote Sensing
  7. Urban Renewal and Development Control
  8. Industrial Training (SIWES)
  1. Regional Planning and Development
  2. Land-Use Planning and Policy
  3. Planning Studio and Fieldwork
  4. Infrastructure Planning
  5. Environmental Impact Assessment
  6. Planning Management and Finance
  7. Professional Practice and Ethics
  1. Urban Design Studio Project
  2. Sustainable Urban Development
  3. Planning for Climate Change and Resilience
  4. Advanced GIS and Spatial Analysis
  5. Research Project / Dissertation
  6. Professional Seminar and Presentation

This structured curriculum ensures that graduates are technically grounded, ethically guided, and professionally prepared to plan sustainable and equitable human settlements.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted into the B.Sc. Urban and Regional Planning programme, applicants must satisfy both the general entry requirements of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the specific departmental requirements as outlined by the NUC CCMAS.

1. UTME (100-Level Entry)

Applicants must have:

  1. A minimum of five (5) credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Geography, and any two of the following: Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Technical Drawing, or Fine Arts, obtained at not more than two sittings in the SSCE, GCE, NECO, or equivalent examination.
  2. A satisfactory score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Geography, and one of Economics, Physics, or Chemistry.

2. Direct Entry (200-Level Entry)

Direct Entry candidates must possess:

  1. GCE A-Level passes in at least two subjects, including Geography and one of Mathematics, Economics, or Physics; or
  2. National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant disciplines such as Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Estate Management, Surveying, or Civil Engineering, with at least Upper Credit from a recognised institution; or
  3. JUPEB or equivalent advanced-level passes in relevant subjects.

All candidates must also participate in the university’s Post-UTME or Direct Entry Screening Exercise to be considered for admission.

Why study at OOU?

Studying urban and regional planning at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you a comprehensive, forward-thinking education that prepares you to address the complex planning challenges of today’s world.

Here are some of the reasons OOU stands out:

  1. Accredited and Standardised Curriculum: The programme fully complies with the NUC CCMAS and the standards of professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) and the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC).
  2. Interdisciplinary Approach: You will benefit from a curriculum that integrates social science, design, environmental management, and technology — ensuring you develop a holistic understanding of spatial planning.
  3. Experienced and Dedicated Faculty: Our lecturers are highly qualified academics and practising urban planners who combine professional expertise with research-driven teaching.
  4. Fieldwork and Practical Studio Experience: The programme places strong emphasis on studio work, field excursions, and real-life planning exercises, enabling you to apply theory to real urban and regional contexts.
  5. Technology-Driven Training: You will acquire skills in GIS, remote sensing, data analysis, and spatial modelling, equipping you with modern tools for planning and environmental analysis.
  6. Sustainability and Policy Focus: The programme promotes environmentally responsible and socially inclusive planning solutions that align with Nigeria’s development agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By studying urban and regional planning at OOU, you gain the expertise to design sustainable communities, manage growth effectively, and influence the future of urban development across Nigeria and beyond.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a research project and a planning studio design exercise, both of which represent the capstone of your academic training.

The research project allows you to explore a specific planning issue or challenge, applying the theories, analytical techniques, and policy frameworks learnt throughout the programme. Typical research themes include:

  1. Urban land-use planning and management
  2. Housing and informal settlement upgrading
  3. Environmental impact assessment and climate resilience
  4. Transportation and spatial accessibility
  5. Regional economic planning and infrastructure development
  6. Smart cities and geospatial innovation

You will work under the supervision of a faculty member who provides academic guidance and professional mentorship. The project encourages independent thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, essential skills for a successful planning career or postgraduate study.

Graduation Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, you must satisfy the academic and professional requirements stipulated by the university.

Academic requirements

You are required to:

  1. Complete a minimum of 168 credit units for UTME students or the approved equivalent for Direct Entry candidates.
  2. Pass all core, elective, and general studies courses required by the department.
  3. Obtain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.50 at the time of graduation.
  4. Complete all fieldwork, design studios, and the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
  5. Successfully present and defend a final-year research project and planning studio report before the departmental panel.

Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon meeting these conditions, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Urban and Regional Planning, signifying professional competence and readiness to pursue registration with relevant planning bodies.

Career Opportunities

A degree in urban and regional planning opens a wide range of career prospects across the public and private sectors, both locally and internationally. Graduates of this programme are equipped to work as:

  1. Urban and Regional Planners
  2. Physical Development Officers
  3. Transportation and Infrastructure Planners
  4. Environmental and Sustainability Consultants
  5. Housing and Community Development Officers
  6. GIS and Spatial Data Analysts
  7. Project and Policy Analysts
  8. Research and Planning Consultants

You can find employment opportunities in:

  1. Federal, State, and Local Government planning agencies
  2. Urban renewal and development authorities
  3. Environmental and transport ministries
  4. Real estate and infrastructure development firms
  5. International organisations and NGOs involved in sustainable development
  6. Academic and research institutions

Graduates are also eligible for professional membership and registration with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), the Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC), and international associations such as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Five-Year Programme)

  1. Register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
  2. Choose urban and regional planning as your preferred course of study and select Olabisi Onabanjo University as your first choice.
  3. Sit for the UTME with the required subject combination: English Language, Mathematics, Geography, and one of Economics, Physics, or Chemistry.
  4. Apply for and pass the university’s Post-UTME Screening Exercise.
  5. Upon successful admission, complete your registration via the official university portal.

2. Direct Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Apply through the JAMB Direct Entry portal and select Urban and Regional Planning as your course of study.
  2. Upload your A-Level, ND, HND, or JUPEB qualifications in relevant fields such as urban and regional planning, architecture, estate management, surveying, or civil engineering.
  3. Participate in the university’s Direct Entry Screening Exercise.
  4. Successful candidates are admitted into 200 Level and complete the programme in four academic sessions.

Course Coordinator

The programme is managed by a team of skilled academics and practising planners within the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Environmental Studies. The department is dedicated to training professionals capable of contributing to sustainable spatial development and policy innovation.

Contact Information:

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 5 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Department = Urban and Regional Planning
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Environmental Studies, CEES, Ibogun Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities