Surveyor Urges Students to Take Surveying as a Profession
Surveyor Urges Students to Take Surveying as a Profession
By: Femi Mustapha
The patron of the Nigerian Institution of Surveying and Geoinformatics Students, Kaduna chapter, Surveyor Musa Ephraim, has advised students to consider surveying as a profession and focus on building a future for themselves to promote the growth of the country.
He asserted this during a sensitization and orientation program organized by the Nigerian Institution of Surveying and Geoinformatics Students (NISGS) Kaduna Chapter held in Kaduna on August 30, 2023.
Speaking on the theme of the sensitization, “Surveying in the Modern World: A Look at the Opportunities,” Surv. Ephraim admonished the students that they must choose a profession that corresponds to their interests and abilities.
He advised the students to build a deeper knowledge and distinguish themselves in the aspect of surveying, which would help them to prepare for future challenges.
He, however, warned them that it is mandatory to uphold the tenets of the profession as they strive for excellence in their studies.
Ephraim disclosed that the purpose of the sensitization program was to orient the new intakes of the Department of Surveyors and Geoinformatics Department on the importance of the profession.
According to him, even if most of them did not initially choose surveying as a career, they were not mistaken, adding that there are plenty of opportunities in the profession.
Similarly, the Former Registrar of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), Surv. W.A Ayeni, expressed dismay at the government’s ignorance of surveying. He stated that the government only views surveying through the lens of issuing Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), but in reality, every aspect of life requires surveying.
He disclosed that only 4% of Nigeria’s land is cadastrated, a fact he deemed shameful. He also mentioned that the late President Yaradua created a presidential land reform committee, which was supposed to aid in cadastration, but the concept became dormant since his death, with no government discussion on it.
Ayeni also lamented the high number of students admitted without the provision of adequate facilities to enhance their learning.
“Some people see education as a source of internal revenue, which it is not. In my time, we had practically one piece of equipment for every two students, but today there are about 200 students with less than 10 digital equipment, which is unacceptable,” he said.
He further added that flooding can be mitigated through the use of surveyors’ skills, as they can predict areas prone to flooding and provide advice on relocating residents from potentially affected places.
