Spatial Patterns of Social Infrastructure in Nigeria

Several experiences and principles have influenced my ideas and approach to this book. The first concerns my search for a textbook which could be used in a rural development planning course for advanced students with perspective on social infrastructure engineering. Existing books seem to fall into one of several categories. First, is rural development books, which are mainly content oriented. They focus on the distribution and use of a variety of rural resources. Such texts are rich in facts but offer little in terms of principles and concepts of social infrastructure planning and development. A second type is perspective oriented emphasising ecological, geographical, economical, political, social and other aspects of rural resource management. Each provides a theoretical perspective rather than empirical dimension to study. Thirdly, existing works on social facilities in both Nigeria and outside Nigeria are carried out in piece meal fashion; without attempt to establish the stock of infrastructure per community per time. As a university lecturer, my ultimate goal is to encourage development of a critical and constructive approach to research.

Autorentext

Dr. Atser Jacob,a senior Lecturer of Urban and Regional Planning,University of Uyo, Nigeria,hails from Vandeikya,Benue State of Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Rural Development Planning from the University of Uyo. He has over thirty academic articles in national and international Journals. Dr. Atser is happily married and blessed with children.