(INTERVIEW): Quackery Promotes Building Collapse — QS Oluwade

The Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Oyo State Chapter, QS Kayode Kolawole Oluwade, in this interview with Independent Newspaper Nigeria, speaks on the rising cases of building collapse, the dangers of quackery, and the urgent need for government to strengthen the role of registered Quantity Surveyors. He also shares career opportunities in the profession and advocates for youth enrollment. Excerpts:

Q: How many years of experience do you have as a Quantity Surveyor, and how long have you served as Chairman of the NIQS Oyo State chapter?

I have about 31 years of experience in the profession. My tenure as Chairman began in 2024 and will run until August 2026. This year marks one year that I have been in the saddle.

Q: Many people confuse Quantity Surveyors with Land Surveyors. Can you explain the different kinds of surveyors and the unique role of Quantity Surveyors?

Yes, this is a common misconception. People often confuse Quantity Surveyors with Land Surveyors because they don’t pay attention to the prefix. In reality, there are three main categories of surveyors.

First, we have Land Surveyors — they determine the shape, size, and composition of land masses, define boundaries, and establish levels for projects. Their work now extends beyond traditional land mapping to marine and aerial surveys.

Second, there are Estate Surveyors and Valuers — they help clients acquire and manage land or buildings, source tenants or buyers, and conduct valuations for sales or leasing.

Finally, Quantity Surveyors focus on cost management for construction projects — be it buildings, airports, seaports, railways, or refineries. As the Bible says in Luke 14:28: “Who among you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost?” That is what we do: estimate and control costs to ensure a project is completed within budget and on time.

We not only calculate costs before construction begins but also monitor and manage expenses during execution. We are deeply involved in procurement processes to select reputable contractors through competitive bidding.

Here in Oyo State, for example, our members assist the government in assessing project proposals to ensure value for money before approval. There is no major construction — government or private — that can be done without involving a Quantity Surveyor.

Q: Why do you think public awareness about the role of Quantity Surveyors is still low?

This is largely because the ethics of the profession frown at public advertising like billboards, so we rely more on advocacy. Yet, no government project can happen without us, because they must know the cost before budgeting.

Unfortunately, many students who end up in Quantity Surveying did not originally choose it. Even I came into the profession by accident — my uncle suggested it after I applied for other courses.

We want to encourage parents and guardians to guide their wards toward the profession, which offers strong career prospects. The basic requirement is to be a science student with Mathematics and English, along with Physics, Chemistry, Geography, and Economics.

Q: What career opportunities are available for Quantity Surveyors?

Quantity Surveyors enjoy a broad range of opportunities. We can work as lecturers in universities and polytechnics, or within their Works and Physical Planning Departments. In the banking sector, we are needed in estate or works departments when banks expand their branches.

In government ministries such as Works and Infrastructure, Quantity Surveyors manage construction projects. In fact, about 16–18 Quantity Surveyors were recently employed into the Oyo State civil service.

We are also indispensable in contracting firms — no serious contractor works without a Quantity Surveyor. Many practitioners run their own consultancies, while others find opportunities in real estate development, mortgage companies, insurance firms, building materials manufacturers, and oil and gas companies.

Q: How is the profession regulated in Nigeria?

There are two main bodies: the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), the professional association, and the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN), which regulates the profession.

After graduating, you pass the NIQS examination to become a Chartered Quantity Surveyor. But to practise, you must register with QSRBN, obtain your seal, and renew your licence annually by attending seminars and capacity-building programmes.

Verification of registered professionals is easy — once you give your registration number, it can be confirmed on the QSRBN website. This helps eliminate quacks.

Q: Building collapse has been a recurring issue in Nigeria. From your perspective, what are the causes?

Construction is a team process involving several professionals — Architects, Structural Engineers, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Builders, and Quantity Surveyors. When a building collapses, the cause is usually structural failure.

An Architect designs, a Structural Engineer ensures stability, and the Quantity Surveyor prepares cost estimates for structural elements, materials, and labour. The Builder executes according to specifications.

Collapses often happen when unqualified individuals (quacks) take on specialised roles, or when substandard materials are used. Inadequate supervision, negligence, or approval by unqualified authorities also contribute.

Intra-professional malpractice, such as structural designs done by non-registered engineers, is another factor. For a building to stand, every professional must be qualified, registered, and diligent.

Q: What further support would you like from the government to strengthen the role of Quantity Surveyors in public projects?

I appreciate our Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, for employing Quantity Surveyors into the Ministry of Public Works. This will undoubtedly improve project execution and ensure value for money.

However, we plead that the same gesture be extended to the local government level, so that at least one registered Quantity Surveyor is engaged in each council secretariat.

We also recommend that estimates prepared by Registered Quantity Surveyors should form part of the mandatory documents for approval at the State Bureau of Physical Planning. By doing so, government will curb quackery, ensure proper costing, and safeguard scarce resources.