Adoption and Application of Information Communication Technology in Urban Planning Schools in the South East Nigeria

This study examines the adoption and level of application of ICT tools in urban planning schools in Nigeria with special focus on Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools. The objectives of the study include; to identify common ICT tools used in the planning schools, it relevance as specified in the curricula; and to determine the level of knowledge and application of CAD tools in teaching (lecturers) and learning (students) in design production. Primary and secondary data were utilized and qualitatively analyzed. Findings shows CAD tools, spatial information technologies, word processing and presentation software and data analysis software with AutoCAD as the most popular CAD tools adopted. It reveals the limited spectrum of CAD tools used in the planning schools with special focus on AutoCAD and its application in majorly 2D drafting and design, CAD tools are included in the curricula but urban planning schools focus on mere exposure of AutoCAD. It also reveals low level of knowledge and application of CAD tools in design production. The study recommends that a wider spectrum of CAD tools of varying applications be adequately adopted, and apply in design production; and should serve as one of the basic requirement for accreditation by NUC and professional body. Lecturers and technical staff should be motivated through frequent training and other incentive provided in other to improve their skills in the use and application of ICT particularly CAD tools

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): An Approach to Traffic Congestion Challenges in Enugu Meteropolis

Mobility is a necessity but the consequence is the resultant congestion from increase in traffic volume. At a time the solution was the construction of more transport infrastructures, but in the face of a persistent decrease in land other methods of tackling the ever increasingtransport problems gave birth to systems such as Intelligent Transport Systems. This study attempts to assess the role of Intelligent Transport System in solving the problem of traffic congestion by identifying the existing system of traffic management in Enugu Urban and determining the potential for a more effective traffic management system through intelligent transport systems. Primary sources of data were employed. Using purposive sampling and simply random sampling 400 road users and 122 staff of Enugu State Ministry of Transport were interviewed through well-constructed questionnaires with a return rate of 94.5% and94% respectively. Descriptive statistics were employed. The results were compiled using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study revealed that Automated Traffic Signal and Control, Traffic Wardens, Channelization to Road Signs; are the existing systems of traffic management and was found to be ineffective in tackling the challenges of traffic congestion. It was also discovered that the introduction of some forms of Intelligent Transport Systems would go a long way in improving the control and management of traffic. The study therefore recommends the integration of Intelligent Transport Systems for operational efficiencies and inter-jurisdictional coordination benefits that result incomprehensive and improved transport system management