Quantity Surveying, a discipline under construction and project management, is pivotal in managing costs and ensuring the financial efficiency of construction projects. Originating in 18th-century United Kingdom during the Industrial Revolution, it was established to address the complexities that arose in the era’s construction industry.
At the University of Jos, the history of quantity surveying is relatively recent. The department was established in 2012, and has since graduated four cohorts of professionals. Initially a part of the Department of Building, the programme gained full autonomy in 2022 when it was approved and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
In an interview with Unijos Echo, Dr. Afeez Olalekan Sani, Head of the Department of Quantity Surveying, reflected on the department’s growth. “The department has come a long way from being an extension of the Department of Building. Since its establishment, we’ve made great strides to ensure our students are competitive in the ever-changing profession,” he stated.
Dr. Sani also explained that professor Joe Wilson headed the department as a pioneer HOD while he took over from him in the year 2020 till date. The population of the students has been growing since then and we have a large number of students, he also said. Dr. Sani said that lecturers are trained , attend professional workshops and make sure they are up to date in what they are doing, and also monitor the lectures they give to the students and this is how they are equipped with up to date knowledge and skills. A specialized software which was requested by the department was also provided to help train and help the students to understand the course better and improve development.
He also stated that both outside and within the country, being that they have graduated four sets of students, graduating with excellent grades. They are performing excellently well at the labor market. Most employers are waiting for the students before they graduate,” he said”. The students already have jobs waiting for them internationally and also within the country because of their passion, zeal and commitment towards the profession.
Furthermore, he also explained that some students don’t really have interest in Quantity surveying because some might have not applied for it but still found themselves there thereby making it hard for them to be able to assimilate what it’s all about. He said, they are trying their possible best to make it as interesting and compelling for the students through the lecturers an the department as a whole so that everybody can tag along and nobody would be left behind because the main aim is to produce students with good results and understanding of what Quantity surveying is all about, to be able to represent them well in all ramifications.
Dr. Sani emphasized efforts to keep lecturers updated on professional trends. “Our lecturers frequently attend workshops and conferences to stay current. We also conduct regular checks to ensure they meet their teaching obligations.” The department’s training is further enhanced by specialized software provided by the university, equipping students with practical skills for real-world application.
Despite its growth, the department faces challenges, as highlighted by its students.
Bulus Rejoice Anemoriazami, a 500-level student, shared her concerns, mentioning the lack of a dedicated computer lab and essential gadgets. “These facilities would greatly improve hands-on practical learning for students,” she remarked.
The impact of the department on students’ careers and understanding of the profession is evident in their testimonials.
Salem Guteng, a 500-level student, discussed the economic relevance of quantity surveying. “Our knowledge has helped us appreciate how building projects like markets and housing estates contribute to increasing the internally generated revenue of states and nations,” he explained.
Another 500-level student, Joy Shelika, shared her experience with the internship program. “Internships have been instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Working with construction firms gave us firsthand knowledge of the profession’s expectations,” she noted.
Others students like Satsim Panshak Ngusen, a 300 level student of the department, shared the challenge of the low number of lecturers for the number of students in the department.
Dr. Sani is optimistic about the future of the department. “Our graduates are excelling both locally and internationally. As we address our challenges and improve our facilities, we aim to set even higher standards for the profession,” he concluded.
The Quantity Surveying Department at the University of Jos continues to grow, overcoming challenges and preparing students to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s construction industry.
Reported by Babatunde Moyinoluwa Hannah (2/5)
Edited by Isama Anyaole Peace
