Lagos: The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos Branch, has encouraged estate management and valuation students to prioritize competence, sound judgment, and value delivery as they gear up for professional practice.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Olusanjo Fawole, a Fellow of NIESV, imparted this advice during the Fifth Hope Harriman Students’ Series held at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). The event revolved around the theme ‘From Classroom to Practice: Owning Your Future in Nigeria’s Evolving Real Estate Landscape’, and featured a sub-theme ‘Land Titling in Nigeria: Why Estate Surveyors and Valuers Should Lead’.
The annual lecture series was instituted to honor Hope Harriman, the first Chairman of the NIESV, Lagos Branch. Fawole emphasized that the labor market rewards competence over mere possession of certificates, stating, ‘The market does not reward certificates but competence, judgment and value.’
He pointed out that transitioning from classroom to professional practice presents challenges for students, notably due to limited interaction with practicing professionals, which restricts their practical knowledge exposure before graduation. Fawole noted that practice requires skills in client management and negotiation, which differ from the academic curriculum. He also highlighted a lack of confidence among young graduates as a challenge and advised students to engage in self-development through reading professional journals and enhancing practical skills to become bold and competent professionals.
Mr. Ridwan Balogun, who delivered a lecture on land titling in Nigeria, explained it as the process of assigning lawful ownership documents to land via proper documentation, outlining key procedures such as verification, application, and documentation.
Mr. Olusola Ajibola, Head of Department of Estate Management and Valuation at LASUSTECH, applauded NIESV for organizing programs that benefit students, noting that similar opportunities were scarce during his early professional years, making the transition to practice more challenging. He urged students to leverage the program for a smoother professional entry.
Earlier, Mr. Tosin Kadiri, Chairman of NIESV, Lagos Branch, stated that the Hope Harriman Students’ Series was established to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical aspects of the profession. Kadiri mentioned that employers often express concerns about graduates lacking practical skills necessary for efficient professional practice, and the program provides a platform for students to interact with professionals, build networks, and receive mentorship. He also announced that LASUSTECH would host the 2026 edition to ensure inclusivity, as previous editions were held in other institutions.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Abbas Joseph, described the program as insightful, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to connect with industry professionals. The event saw participation from students of Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos, Lagos State University, LASUSTECH, Gateway Polytechnic, and University of Benin.