It was an honour to deliver the keynote paper titled “Maintaining Relevance Amidst Disruptive Technologies” at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (Oyo State Chapter). I’m deeply grateful to be recognized with the Distinguished Personality Award—a moment of profound gratitude and professional fulfillment.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), under the chairmanship of Tpl. Prof. Musbau Omoakin Jelili, FNITP, honoured me, Professor Samson Olakunle Ojoawo, had the privilege of delivering the Keynote Paper at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Institute, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan
The keynote address, titled “Maintaining Relevance Amidst Disruptive Technologies: The Concern of Built Environment Professionals,” was successfully delivered to a distinguished audience of planners, professionals, and academics.
Following the presentation, Ojoawo was deeply honoured to be presented with the Distinguished Personality Award of NITP, graciously bestowed through the eminent planner, Tpl. Emeritus Prof. Timothy Olayiwola Egunjobi, FNITP.
The eminent scholar said he remained profoundly thankful to God and sincerely grateful to the leadership and members of NITP for the recognition.
MAINTAINING RELEVANCE AMIDST DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES: THE CONCERN OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT PROFESSIONALS
A KEYNOTE PAPER
DELIVERED BY
Samson Olakunle OJOAWO, FNSE, FNICE, FNIEE, COREN Regd., Ph.D
Professor of Civil Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso
At the 2025 Annual General Meeting
Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Oyo State Chapter
Chairman: TPL. Prof. Jelil Musbau, FNITP
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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Presentation Outline
1. Preamble
2. Definitions
3. Common Relevant Disruptive Technologies
4. Selected Disruptive Technologies in Urban City Planning
5. Pertinent Disruptive Technologies in the Built Environment
6. Strategies for Maintaining Professional Relevance
7. Conclusion and Recommendation
8. References
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1. Preamble
The concept of disruptive innovation—coined by Harvard Business School’s Clayton M. Christensen—refers to innovations that fundamentally change existing markets by introducing new solutions that redefine expectations.
Today, disruptive technologies are quietly but profoundly reshaping how cities function and how professionals deliver value. As such, built environment professionals must reflect on their positioning in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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2. Definitions
Disruptive Technology: A breakthrough innovation that significantly alters or replaces existing technologies, practices, or market structures.
Such technologies not only introduce new markets but often render established systems obsolete.
Examples:
Renewable energy solutions
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Advanced robotics
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3. Common Relevant Disruptive Technologies
Widely recognized technologies that have reshaped their respective industries include:
Zoom – Transforming the way we meet and collaborate remotely
Tesla – Revolutionizing the automotive sector with electric and autonomous vehicles
Airbnb – Disrupting the traditional hospitality model
Amazon – Shifting global retail toward e-commerce and logistics optimization
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4. Selected Disruptive Technologies in Urban City Planning
In urban planning, several technologies are now integral to improved service delivery:
Drones – Used in flood risk analysis, urban mapping, and post-disaster assessments
Low-cost space exploration – Innovations like SpaceX’s reusable rockets inspire urban logistics and infrastructure design
AI, Machine Learning & Big Data – Provide predictive analytics for resource allocation and policy-making
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5. Pertinent Disruptive Technologies in the Built Environment
Modern urban planning and infrastructure development are increasingly technology-driven:
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – Enables advanced visualization and structural simulation
Augmented & Virtual Reality (AR/VR) – Offers immersive planning experiences for stakeholders
Generative AI – Produces efficient, data-optimized designs
Building Information Modeling (BIM) – Facilitates collaborative planning and lifecycle management
Internet of Things (IoT) – Connects city infrastructure for real-time monitoring
Blockchain – Introduces transparency and traceability in urban development projects
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6. Strategies for Maintaining Professional Relevance
To thrive in this era of disruption, built environment professionals must:
Pursue continuous learning through formal education, certifications, and self-study
Acquire new digital competencies aligned with emerging technologies
Participate in professional conferences, workshops, and seminars
Stay connected through networks, social media, and professional bodies
Contribute to knowledge development via journals, books, and public discourse
Foster a mindset of adaptability, curiosity, and innovation
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7. Conclusion and Recommendation
Disruptive technologies are not a passing trend—they are the future. They offer opportunities to redefine urban development and improve lives but require readiness to embrace change.
Recommendations:
Build a proactive culture of lifelong learning
Integrate digital tools into professional practices
Collaborate across disciplines to foster innovation
Ultimately, to remain relevant, professionals in the built environment must be learners, innovators, and adaptable contributors to a rapidly evolving world.
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8. Selected References
“14 Ways to Stay Relevant in Your Profession” – Indeed.com
“Staying Relevant: Why It Matters and How to Do It”
“Disruptive Technology: 12 Examples to Know” – Built In
“What is Disruptive Innovation?” – Nick Jain (2023)
“Top 7 Disruptive Technologies for Cities” – Abhas J. (2018)
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