Quantity Surveyors Vow To Rid Quacks From Profession

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Quantity Surveyors Regulatory Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) towards ridding the profession of quackery.

President of the institute, Qs. Mohammed Abba Tor gave the disclosure in Akure at the investiture of Qs. Barr Akinnimi Akinsunlola as the 9th Chairman and swearing in of Executive members of the 2020-2021 senate of Ondo state chapter.

According to him, the institute will not sit back and watch its noble profession ruined by quacks, noted that there was the need to strengthen regulation to address such problems.

Qs. Abba Tor, who was represented by the Ekiti state chairman of the institute, Mr. Adeboye Olaniyi, said if quacks, who engage in building construction without requisite knowledge and certification, are not made to face the full wrath of the law, the challenge of building collapse may not end soon.

“We are working towards putting an end to this issue of quackery, before you can be recognize as quantity surveyor, your chapter must recognized you, even at the national level with clean bill of membership. Besides, we have to limit ourselves to the areas of our specialisation”, Abba Tor said.

He maintained that there was need for professionals to adhere strictly to approved requirements in handling a project, without compromising standards.

NIQS president, therefore, urged that every stakeholder in the construction sector must work in total compliant with the ethics of the profession.

In his address, the new Chairman of the institute in Ondo state, Qs. Akinnimi Akinsunlola promised to move the institution forward.

Qs. Akinsunlola said, “We will deliver, we will not let you down, we will not fail you, we will work for you and we will not disappoint you. We shall move the institute forward.

“The foundation of the state chapter had been firmly laid from the 1st senate and had continually been built upon by the subsequent senates from 2nd-8th senates. We the 9th senate will make sure that we have a remarkable and positive handling over for the 10th senate by the Grace of God.

“Apart from some hidden challenges to be likely faced by us, we must appreciate that in line with National policies, the chapter must be up and doing financially, morally and viable.

“Rebranding quantity surveying profession and the quantity surveyors; to be relevant and not obsolete within the built environment, to our clients and in the use of modern technologies such as ICT, softwares.

“Welfare of members must be cared for and ensure that training and re-training of Quantity Surveyors at all level are maintained”.

Other new NIQS senate 2020-2021 includes, Dr. Oluwaseyi Awodele as Deputy Chairman, Akinlolu Fadiyimu General Secretary, Mrs. Taiwo Akinsanmi Assistant General Secretary, Mrs. Tinuke Olawale-Ogunkua as Rep. WASQN, Dr. Ayokunle Olanipekun Sec. Research and Development.

Other executives are; Mr. Osomo Fayowole PRO, Tope Asaboro Treasurer, Olasunkanmi Ayinla Financial Secretary, Mrs. Morolayo Olanitori Ex-Officio 1 while Mrs. Taiwo Adegbembo was elected as Ex-Officio 2.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in his short address, advised that all the professionals bodies should stay on their name, saying “civil engineer should not take the job of quantity surveyor, quantity surveyor should not say that I am an architect because the definition is so clear”.

Governor Akeredolu who was represented by his Special Adviser on Lands, Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Rimi Olayiwola Aminu, therefore, charged the new NIQS executives that capacity building should be their priority.