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EMERGING URBAN AFRICA
Guidelines for 2nd International Essay Competition for
Urban and Regional Planning Schools in honour of
Prof. Akin Mabogunje.
BACKGROUND
The first
International Essay Competition for Urban and Regional Planning Schools
held in October 2006 was organized as part of events under the wider
Emerging Urban Africa celebration to mark the 75th
birthday celebrations of Professor Akin L. Mabogunje, who is widely
acknowledged as the doyen of urban Geography and Planning in Africa. The
project, a tribute to this erudite African, also seeks to advance the
cause for which he has committed the larger part of his life. The
Professor’s work spans teaching, research, consultancy, technical
advisory management and administrative spheres on local, national and
international levels.
HOUSING FINANCE IN AFRICA
The United
Nations has warned that Sub-Saharan Africa’s traditional perception as a
rural based society is fast disappearing, with more than half of its 700
million people projected to be living in urban areas by 2030, when
Africa will cease to be a rural continent. Unchecked flows of the rural
poor seeking better lives in urban areas have put an unbearable strain
on Africa’s cities. One of the internationally agreed Millennium
Development Goals (MDG) targets is to achieve “significant improvement”
in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers around the world by
2020. Currently, the number of global slum-dwellers is soaring to an
expected 1.36 billion by 2015. That compares to one billion now from
700 million in 1990.
Housing
Finance is a critical factor in not only the housing delivery process,
but also the consequent evolution of urban centres, given the soaring
urbanization rates being recorded worldwide, but more particularly in
developing countries. Studies have stressed that a resolution of the
housing finance crisis would go along way in tackling the housing
debacle, particularly in Africa.
Against the
above background, the essay competition for this year is on the subject
‘Housing Finance in Africa,’ Entry is open to students
enrolled in institutions offering degrees in Urban and Regional Planning
(or related nomenclature) as recognised by the professional planning
councils of participating African countries.
GUIDELINES FOR THE ESSAY COMPETITION
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1. |
Eligibility: |
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All
undergraduate and post-graduate students of urban / town
planning in planning schools of English speaking Africa as
contained in the attached list are eligible. Proof of regular
student status such as matriculation number or
registration number, or student account number is
required.
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2. |
Essay Topic:
“HOUSING FINANCE IN
AFRICA” |
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3. |
Entries:
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All
submissions will be made through the internet. It is required
that the submission be copied to the Head of Department of the
entrée’s planning school with name, full address ,
identification number and year of study of the entrée to be
indicated. Entries will be received from Monday, July 14, 2008
and will close on August 31, 2008.
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4. |
Originality of
Submission. |
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The
selection committee will rely on the relevant Planning
Department to ensure originality and authenticity of
submissions. Upon reception of submission, confirmation message
will be sent to the relevant schools for authentication.
Identities of all submission will be verified with the Heads of
Departments.
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5. |
Organization of
the Competition. |
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There shall be one standard assessment but the awards shall be
at two levels: the continental level and the national level. The
top three essay winners for each level will be invited to Abuja
to receive their awards during the 2008 Emerging Urban Africa
seminar.
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6. |
Prizes |
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There shall be individual and institutional prizes.
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Institutional Prize: The
institution that encourages the most participation shall be
recognized and be awarded a certificate together with
selected books for its library.
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Individual Prizes will comprise:
Continental level:
1st Prize – $3000; 2nd Prize – $2500; and
3rd
Prize – $1,500.
National level:
1st Prize – $2000; 2nd
Prize - $1,500;
3rd
Prize - $1000
Consolation Prizes:
10 consolation prizes for five runners-up from each level.
Each winner will receive a certificate with a copy of the book
on Emerging Urban Africa, signed by Professor Mabogunje.
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7. |
Word Limit. |
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The
max length of the Essay will be 3000 words. Diagrams, and
graphics could be used as illustration, but not photographs. The
Harvard system of referencing should be adhered to in writing
the essay.
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8. |
Format for
submission. |
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(a) |
Essay entries should be sent to:
info@fdi.org.ng. |
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(b) |
All submissions
must include an abstract not exceeding 200 |
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words and the
writer’s full name, matriculation number/registration
number/student account number clearly provided.
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The
Secretariat of the PAMP Essay Competition is:
UN-HABITAT, UN-HOUSE, Plot 617/618, Diplomatic
Zone, Abuja, Nigeria.
Tel: 08051636835
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Professor Johnson Bade Falade,
Chairman, PAMP Essay Jury Committee.
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June,
2008 |
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