VOYAGE

THE YQSF

N I Q S Y O U N G Q U A N T I T Y S U R V E Y O R S F O R U M ~ Q U A R T E R LY N E W S L E T T E R

O1/MARCH/2021 | MAIDEN EDITION

The Young QS:

A GLIMPSE INTO THE

The professional construction cost managers.

 FROM
THE CHAIRMAN'S DESK
I
t is with Equally, it would interest you to know that this
great joy newsletter covers subjects like; Emotional
t h a t , I Intelligence, Housing Policy and development,
introduce to you Project Monitoring, Project Management, Diversity
the Maiden and Inclusion, and among others. I encourage you to
Edition of young take time and enrich your knowledge through
Q u a n t i t y different thought-provoking articles. All from Young
Surveyors Quantity Surveyors!
newsletter, The Finally, this newsletter presents recent events of the
Y Q S Vo y a g e . Forum that occurred around the country. Bite of
This publication pictures that are randomly selected to get you
is part of our informed about our progress in recent years. The
strategies Forum is on course to Encourage, Engage, and
t o w a r d s Empower. The Forum goals between 2020- 2021 is
engaging the society about the activities of young captured in three words: Standardization, Visibility,
quantity surveyors in Nigeria. The newsletter is and Sustainability. These strategic goals have started
stylishly designed for reader's convenience and yielding results. We have started the development of
structured with diverse elegant calligraphies. This is tangible structure and framework for the forum
the first newsletter of its kind by the Forum. We will across the country, engaging chapters leaders, and
make subsequent edition to be richer and better than leaders of national bodies of the Institute. We will
the current. The forum will ensure will that we make rise on the crest of technology and ensure steering of
the magazine available across all platforms, build appropriate and relevant conversation, all for the
readership across countries and territories. There is good of younger generation and the profession at
no better time to increase visibility and prominence large. greatly on course for proper awareness of the
of our profession than now. profession at home and abroad. Well come to a new
In this Maiden Edition, you would read about the era of sustainable engagement.
activities of the pioneer leaders of the Forum, their Thank you,
accomplishments, challenges, opportunities and
what their efforts yielded towards building a
formidable youth organization for the profession.

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
• Onwusonye Newton Ifeanyi J. ~Chairman • Umar Bello ~Member • Asogu, Obiageri Juliet ~Member
• Miracle Ebube Nwachukwu ~Secretary • Faleye Abdusabur Abiodun • Chigozie Fedrick Anene ~Member
• Umar Mohammed Yanche ~Member ~Member

NIQS YOUNG QS FORUM STEERING COMMITTEE (2019-2021)

VACANT SEAT

COLLECTING BANK All donations to the forum will be received through the forum's ofcial bank account.
After payment, scan and send the teller or Bank transaction receipt for online payment to the
NIQS YQSF FORUM forum by mail, yqsf@gmail.com to enable us update our records. Remember to also indicate the
Guaranty Trust Bank purpose of the payment and write your names (no initials)
0200709757

T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER 01

 M E E T T H E PA C E S E T T E R
I
t is an honour to be amongst the contributors to bodies recognized by the NIQS constitution; thus,
this maiden edition of YQSF newsletter – the “ from 2011 to 31st July 2015, there was not any
YQSF Voyage”. This is a signal indicating the established forum for Junior/Young Quantity
preparedness/readiness of YQSF Surveyors.
to continue, albeit differently, The forum was reestablished
with the journey that started in
1969. It is a possibility that those
who initiated/started the journey
01 during the second
amendment of 2004
constitution. It is worthy to
were also in their youthful age. mention that there was an
It is also insightful that in looking active participation of young
into the future, the forum has members during the
appreciated the importance of amendment process at both
history; indeed, history is the best chapter level and the
guide for any future National scene. In fact, some
development, those who know it of the pioneer leaders met for
may also have better sense of the first time in Shehu Musa
visioning. Yaradua Centre during the
The aim/focus of this short piece ratification of the amended
is in provision of an insight on the constitution.

“
formative years of YQSF (2015 – The forum was formally
2017). But before delving into inaugurated by Mal Murtala
that, it is worth nothing that the Aliyu PPNIQS on 31st July
institute through the The forum’s main aim is 2015 in Enugu after a
instrumentality of its complementing the activities National workshop. The then
constitution has had a similar and the agenda of NEC and President used the

platform for young members,
Junior Quantity Surveyors Forum
(JQS) since the coming into force
of 2004 constitution. The formal
inauguration of the JQS was done
i n 2 0 0 7 a n d M r. O b a f e m i
Onashile was appointed to lead a
team of some selected members to set up the forum.
Mr Onashile's committee was short-lived and
another committee under the leadership of Mr Ruya
T Fadason was constituted. Despite the challenges
encountered by the two committees, they were able
to make some remarkable efforts and contributions -
their action plan was a springboard for the
formulation of first strategic plan of YQSF;
importantly/fundamentally their experience was a
good guide for the YQSF, our continued existence till
date may partly be associated/related/ascribed to the
most essential historic lessons learnt from their – the
forum's main aim is complementing the activities
and the agenda of NEC and Chapters. In 2011 the
JQS was omitted from the list of established national
”
Chapters. opportunity to interact with
all Junior/Young members
that were present, and a
steering committee was
constituted under the
leadership of Mr. Ahmad
Kabir Muhammad, the other
members were Mr. Adeyara Adebola Matthew and
Miss Joy Esozhim Obugo. The steering committee
was given mandate of coopting members and
producing the forum guidelines covering
membership, aim and objectives, and short-term
activity plan. The President was also very clear on the
importance and role the young members can play in
ensuring the survival and success of the institute and
the profession.
The steering committee was able to quickly coopt
three students and some volunteer leaders from
different chapters. The forum became opened to all
Quantity Surveyors and students who were below the
age of 35 years and the focus was for it to be a platform
that will promote the engagement and

02 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

encouragement of Young QS in the activities of the
institute and their empowerment as future leaders.
About 8 strategic objectives, growing the strength
/number of Young QS, promoting their active
involvement/participation in NIQS etc, were
developed.
As at the time of inauguration, the institute
membership strength for 35 years and below was
1080; 245 corporate members and 835 probationers;
there were no active student members. Additionally,
there was no single young member serving in any
National Committee of the institute.
Within 2015 the steering committee was able to:
organize interactive sessions between the
NEC/President and its members at Enugu, Minna,
Akure, Abuja, and Rivers; carry out sensitization at
Lagos, Plateau, and Kaduna; establish contact with
members from different chapters; developed cordial
relationship with Presidents of National Association
of Quantity Surveying Students (NAQSS) in all
tertiary institutions across the country. The forum
participated actively at the finals of the first National
Student's Essay competition held during 2nd NIQS
Research Conference in Federal University of
Technology Akure; and it hosted more than 100
students from different tertiary institutions during
the 2015 BGM in Lagos.
The 2015 BGM was indeed remarkable and
memorable moment for YQSF as it heralded the
tenure of First Female President of the institute and
the election of pioneer Chairman of JQS as Deputy
President. With a mother figure at the helm of affairs
and a strong pillar of young members deputizing her,
a new chapter was opened.
Immediately after the BGM in Lagos some members
of the steering committee attended the Maiden
Young Surveyors Network Nigeria programme in
Porthacourt Rivers State. That programme was an
eye opener on the importance of participation in
National and International events. It was also the
beginning of our professional relationship with NIS
YSN, who knows whether this may in the future be
the genesis of having all surveying professions in
Nigeria under a single umbrella?
The forum started on a very sound foundation in
2016 and within the first two months, the National
Executive Council had considered and appointed at
least one young member in each of the National
committees; and the Job Fair programme of the
Deputy President was also approved. At the chapter
level most of the coordinators had also continued
T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
with mobilization efforts and a lot of young members
who were hitherto not interested in the activities of
the institute (apathetic to the institute activities)
started developing interest. A major milestone was
recorded in March, when the National Executive
Council accorded YQSF an observer status in the
council. Thus, YQSF became an active participant in
the institute policy formulation and execution.
Within the 1st half of 2016, some chapters were able
to organize free training sessions for young members
to further enlighten them about the forum, network
amongst themselves and expose them to some basic
skills of the 21st century.
The first QS/PM Job fair was held on 1st June 2016 at
the University of Lagos and it was an opportunity for
young members particularly young/fresh graduates
and graduating students to meet an interact with
senior members of the profession and industry
players. The industry players were also afforded the
opportunity of meeting a pool of young and talented
Quantity Surveyors. Following its success, 2nd
QS/PM job fair was also organized in Abuja on 1st
November 2016.
To foster more inclusiveness and better practical
understanding of the industry, the forum also started
organizing technical site visits, social and sporting
activities at chapter and National Level and visit to
Quantity Surveying Departments.
In 2017, the forum continued with its routine
activities viz: technical site visits, interactive
sessions, volunteering roles in both chapter and
National events, supporting students, mobilization
of more members etc.
Indeed, what started as a catch them young program
has fully transformed into prepare them young by the
end of 2017 when the tenure of the first steering
committee ended. YQSF has turned into a promising
platform where future leaders of the profession in
Nigeria and beyond are beginning to emerge. The
forum in conjunction with the Vice President and
Chairman Education and Training Committee had
visited at least 2 Quantity Surveying Departments in
all the Geopolitical Zones of the Country.
Was the journey without any challenge or setback? As
it is with every human endeavor, the forum faced
some little challenges amongst which were most
corporate members that were still within the age
limit refused to identify with it, inability to do more
in the areas of training and empowerment of
students and young probationers.
Ahmad KABIR Muhammad FNIQS, RQS
03
 M E E T T H E PA C E S E T T E R
C
ongratulations to the Young Quantity
Surveyors Forum (YQSF), regarding the
innovative idea on the maiden edition of the
newsletter and several other
programmes executed in
team of volunteers across the country, the steering
committee members, Chapter coordinators and
other members of the coordinating team across
chapters. The NIQS NEC
granted the observer in

02
accordance with the objectives of council position to the
the forum which includes chairman of the forum and
encouraging active participation privilege to nominate at least
of Young Quantity Surveyors at one volunteer to represent
the Institute's programmes, the forum in each of the
creation of platform for committee of the NIQS
intellectual discussion, ( Fi n a n c e c o m m i t t e e ,
brainstorming session towards Education and Training
enhancing up knowledge Committee, Publicity
capacity of young members and Committee Professional
continuous improvement of Development committee,
professional practices and International Affairs
standards. The YQSF publicity committee, membership
team has requested that I shared committee and several

few insights of my volunteering
role. My experience dated back
to 2015 during the Constitution
review process wherein a clause
establishing the forum and
several others were incorporated
into the 2011 Constitution of the
“
The international
participation and networking
with other young professionals across the
globe further projected the image
of the institute, enhanced
leadership skills and creation of
others). The privilege gave
the forum the opportunity
to contribute to the growth
of the institute, speak out on
the interest of the young
professionals and learn key
basic leadership skill

Nigerian Institute of Quantity opportunity for the young
Surveyors (NIQS). In addition, I
witnessed the inauguration of
the forum at a national workshop
at Enugu in 2015 and was
privilege to be chosen as the
secretary of the forum during the
event. I served meritoriously with the pioneer
chairman, Qs Ahmad Kabir, and other members of
the steering committee, Qs Joy Ogbuagu, MNIQS
and Three Representatives of Quantity Surveying
Students. The pioneering team laid a very solid
foundation and thus it was quite easy for me when I
received the baton of leadership as the chairman of
the forum in 2017 and thus made volunteering
experience eventful.
I will always credit the successes recorded during my
tenure to the tremendous support of the NIQS
National Executive Council (NEC) led by Qs
Obafemi Onashile, PPNIQS, FNIQS and the great
”
essential for the future. I led
Quantity Surveyors a team of approximately
Seventy (70) Volunteers
carefully selected across the
six geopolitical zone of the
country and with the
support of outgone pioneer
team, we made tremendous landmark achievement
by the grace of Almighty God. The volunteers
comprise of two (2) deputy chairmen (Qs Ayodele
Faleye and Qs Fatima Husaini), twelve (12) regional
leaders and approximate fifty five (55) chapters
executives in approximate twenty seven chapters
(Ref: YQSF Leadership summit programme
booklet).
The team adopted the strategic action plan of the
forum which guides the implementation of her
activities with respect to the attainment of her
objectives.

04 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

The forum action plan is as listed below:
• Technical session; virtual, classroom and
technical site visits
• Participation at International
workshop/conference.
• Partnership with NIQS in organising Annual
QS/PM Job fair.
• Entrepreneurship summit.
• Inter school quiz competition and sporting.
• Leadership Summit.
The programmes designed as action plan to guide
steering committee and chapters volunteer leaders
has been helpful towards the attainment of the
forum's objectives. The technical sessions, both
classroom and virtual sessions are knowledge
enhancement programme wherein scholars in a
particular field of study interact with members of the
forum. It also serves as a platform for volunteer leaders
to impact knowledge and developing public speaking
and research skills. The interactive session and
technical site visits provided the opportunity to
network, build cohesion and intellectual cum lasting
synergy among young members and industry
practitioners. I will encourage chapter coordinators,
executive at the chapters to strive to be amongst the
resource persons and collaborate with others in other
leaders outside their region. The adoption of virtual
session platform (whatsapp, zoom, google hangout
etc) by the forum for series of training has enhanced
the best use of technology. Technical site visits to
various construction sites has broaden the
construction technology knowledge of the members
of the forum and strengthened relationship with the
host organisation. I recall the YQSF Lagos chapter's
visit to an ongoing road project, where we encouraged
the organisation to employ few members for their
projects and they did. The volunteer leaders in each
chapter also provide support services to intending
members who intend to register with the institute,
commence logbook/dairy process and identification
of supervisors/mentors. The support services has
made more members to be committed to the
objectives and vision of the forum, I'l encourage
volunteer leaders to sustain the practices as it
strengthen the network and bond amongst members.
The forum enjoyed numerous support from the
NIQS National Executive Council (2017-2019), who
sponsored few volunteer leaders as representative at
T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
the International Cost Engineering Council/Pacific
Association of Quantity Surveyors (ICEC – PAQS)
2018 conference held at Sydney, Australia,
Commonwealth Association of Surveying and Land
Economy (CASLE) Conference 2018 held at
Zambia and Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC)
Conference, FIG Young Surveyors/FIG working week
2019. The international participation and
networking with other young professionals across the
globe further projected the image of the institute,
enhanced leadership skills and creation of
opportunity for the young Quantity Surveyors. I was
privileged to be amongst the pioneer team of 'ICEC
Rising Professionals', a committee whose objectives
are on the exchange of professional knowledge,
aiding career development amongst ICEC member
countries, networking platform to offer global
communication, opportunities and promoting
ICEC to young members during the Sydney
conference.
The forum collaborated with the institute and her
volunteer leaders were part of the team that
successfully planned series of job fair, which has
proven to be beneficial to the job hunt and
engagement of Young professionals by organisation
that were at the job fair. Members of the forum who
were not privileged to secure employment with the
organisation at the job fair informed that they were
able to utilise lessons learnt during job fair to secure
engagement with some other organisation. It is quite
expedient that the forum leaders continually
engaged the institute in sustaining the job fair
programmes. The lessons learnt during the planning
and execution of the job fair led to the birth of
entrepreneurship summit, with the aim of
encouraging members whom might not be able to
secure white collar job, to maximise
entrepreneurship opportunities in the construction
industry. The maiden edition of the summit was held
in 2019 at Lagos.
The sporting activities designed by the forum has
further strengthen the networks amongst members
and various tertiary institutions. It has proven to be a
great tool in the integration of Quantity Surveying
students into the activities of the institute and as well
as relationship with professional Quantity Surveyors.
The forum usually enlightens participants on the
processes, route towards registering with the NIQS
and offer other helpful information. Only few
05
chapters during the 2017-2019 tenure adopted donated personal funds to execute programmes
sporting as a tool for integration and strengthening embarked upon and at times seek for donation from
network. The forum through the Regional and colleagues, the NIQS Chapter senate or advert
Chapter coordinators participated in series of placement from organisations owned by the forum's
National Association of Quantity Surveying member.
Students (NAQSS) activities in tertiary institutions.
The relationship has yielded a great effort that I will forever be grateful to pioneer team and
endeared graduating Quantity Surveying students volunteer leaders who served meritoriously during
to the Profession, activities of the Institute and the 2017-2019 and will credit the various successes
promptness toward fulfilling requirement towards recorded to their selfless sacrifices of time and
becoming a corporate member of the institute. The resources. The activities of the forum have led to the
forum's relationship with the NAQSS made possible growing trajectory of the registered members of
the maiden edition of the national quiz competition NIQS, created platform for members to participate
for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The quiz actively in NIQS's activities at the chapter and
competition was organised in collaboration with National level. Also, the knowledge capacity of
NIQS Education and training committee in young Quantity Surveyors has greatly increased and
commemoration of the NIQS 50th Anniversary. The e a g e r n e s s t o l e a r n re c e n t t e c h n o l o g i c a l
preliminary stage of the edition had thirty-two (32) advancement tools has improved tremendously,
tertiary institutions out of Sixty (60) expressed series of job recruitment offers are shared by
interest and participated at the event held during networks of members who have found a new family
NIQS Regional workshop in the six geo-political in the forum.
zones. The final stages featured top two best from
each region held at the Biennial Conference of the Adebola Matthew Adeyara MNIQS, RQS
Institute at Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The
finalist was rewarded with cash gift, books. The
event further strengthens the relationship amongst
the NAQSS across the country.
The experience as a volunteer leader of the forum
has numerous challenges, which are not limited to
management of resources and character of future
leaders. There are few volunteers who dedicated all
while few others relaxed and never executed any
programmes within their chapter. Some disciplinary
action was adopted and replacement of few from
amongst the appointed leaders. The disciplinary
Yqs, Nigeria Representative, Qs Adeyera Adebola, (mniqs,rqs)
action of few lead others to act with sincerity of At The Icec-paqs 2018 International Conference At Sydney, Australia.
purpose. The challenges birthed the creation of
leadership summit held at Abuja in 2020 and I will
encourage the forum leaders to sustain the
programme towards building capacities of more
volunteers for the task ahead and grooming future
leaders for the institute. Challenges associated with
communication was solved through the best use of
the social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn,
twitter, WhatsApp, Zoom) effectively for reporting,
dissemination of information and building a
network of followers. The forum in collaboration
with the NIQS' IT department deployed
technological skill utilised for livestreaming
workshop and seminar via YouTube channels, YQSF Representative, Qs Joy Esozhim, Mniqs, Niqs President, Qs Obafemi Onashile,
Niqs Secretary, Internaional Affairs, Qs Aminu Bashir (fniqs) & Zambian Young
Facebook and Twitter. The volunteer leader Quantity Surveyors At The Casle 2018 International Conference Held At Zambia

06 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

YQSF TECHNICAL SITE VISIT TO A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AT LAKOWE LAKES AND GOLF COUNTRY CLUB, LAGOS

YQSF TECHNICAL SITE VISIT TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAY ROAD PROJECT

T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER 07

 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
AS CATALYST FOR NIGERIA
ECONOMIC GROWTH
H
ousing had always been unquestionably
seen as one of the basic human needs and
one of the indicators of living standard.
Housing is ranked second after food in the hierarchy
of man's needs, and it constitutes a significant
component of the social dimension of sustainable
and economic development of any nation. It is
therefore always in the discussion as well-being of the
people. Unfortunately, shortage of Housing stock
both in number, quality and functionality abounds
virtually in Nigeria. It is a well-known fact that this
country, Nigeria is facing serious challenges in the
housing sector of the economy, several intervention
efforts of the Government both at the State and
Federal levels have not make any significant success
in this regard. The need for effective Housing
delivery mechanism to stimulate progressive
urbanization in our cities thus constitutes a critical
challenge to Nigeria economic growth.
Housing needs in Nigeria increases daily, it is on
record and estimated that Nigeria has housing deficit
of about 17million units whereas the majority of the
population lacks the wherewithal to make effective
demand on housing due to poverty/affordability gap,
ineffective housing finance, high population
explosion, high cost of building materials, shortage
of infrastructural facilities, high cost of land
acquisition and registration, non-accessibility to land
and mortgage loans, delayed development approval
processes, the exclusion of relevant competent built
environment professionals, the dearth of skilled
08 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
artisans and craftsmen, the endless policy on housing
issues by successive political leaderships, the ever
changing technology trends, the increasing global
economic meltdown, the haunting global climatic
changes, the increasing social disorder and associated
political disequilibrium, have all contributed to
challenges facing the realisation of the United
Nations Millennium goal mandate “housing for all”
through affordable housing initiatives most
especially Nigeria.
During a workshop organized by The Nigerian
Institute of Quantity Surveyors Ogun State Chapter
Workshop held in September 2018 at Abeokuta with
the theme “Effective Housing Delivery in a
Developing Economy” Bamidele Mafimidiwo
disclosed that Housing delivery plays a very critical
role in a nation's welfare, as it directly impacts not
only on the citizenry but also on the performance of
other sectors of the economy and for Nigeria to meet
up with Housing deficit we need additional 700,000
unit every year for the next 20 years and only 10% of
those who desire owing a house in Nigeria can
actually afford it either by way of purchase or
personal construction.
Former NIQS President Francis Adetola at a
Workshop on “Procurement of Infrastructural
Facilities, Professional Perspectives” Organized by
the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Ogun
State Chapter held in August 2017 at Abeokuta
postulated that if Nigeria exposed to the benefits of
effective, efficient, corrupt free, and responsive
leadership could boast of sufficient wealth to provide
the majority of her citizens with decent, dignified
infrastructure of which housing is a major
component. However, the trending corruption leaks
by security agencies and whistle blowers revealed to a
very reasonable extent that we are the architects of
our own misfortunes, the scarcity we are
experiencing in housing sector today did not just
occur naturally, it was rather the outcomes of our
wrong political choices and poor leadership
attributes. He further opined that Nigeria
government should create Autonomous
infrastructural projects with a special focus on
housing, giving them the sole authority to plan,
budget, execute and deliver infrastructural projects
while key professionals would be mandated to
carryout functions within their area of core
competence only
Singapore's successful housing program has
benefited from the government's construction
productivity & capability fund ($800 million) as part
of the Government's initiative to help the
construction industry improving productivity and
strengthen its capability. The Fund covers incentive
schemes that focus on workforce development,
technology adoption and capability development in
Singapore's built environment.
Federal Government of Nigeria should continue to
play as major project owner for affordable and social
housing projects and as well as to mitigate corruption
in the system in order to promote efficiency in
procurement and delivery. Likewise, professionals
and all key players have to be constructively engaged
to restructure the best foot to be put forward in terms
of policy design and implementation, fund
availability and ease of access at minimal interest
rates, land availability and ease of allocation
approvals, tax incentives for investors and building
materials. The recent Federal Government initiative
through the Family Homes Fund Limited
(partnership between the Ministry of Finance and
Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority) intended
to generate about N1trillion by 2023 specifically for
facilitating access to N4million affordable housing
development for low and medium income earners, to
create 1.5million jobs is surely a welcome
development that must be facilitated for immediate
practical implementation.
Federal Government must improves business
strategy in the housing sector on higher professional
T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
global reckoning, the speed of approval processes for
land allocation,
development permits, work process certifications
and payment releases need to be enhanced. Also all
the stakeholders along the value chain, individual
firms and companies, the construction industry,
associated experts and governments have a vital role
to play in enabling an effective take off of a
functioning housing program.
Additionally, the industry as a whole should enhance
coordination and cooperation and agree common
goals and standards and more importantly,
government as the regulator and often as project
owner should create a fertile environment,
transparent and fair for all.
Finally, recognizing Housing as a human right will
make it possible for us to realize the potentials and
for our society to thrive and prosper. Like the
minimum wage, affordable Housing would therefore
provide a floor, not a ceiling, for every citizen,
although people would still be able to strive for more,
but every resident would have a place to strive from.
We surely need a paradigm shift that will encourage
an all-inclusive, viable and affordable housing
model. We must therefore steer away from creating
an unjust society where mansions are empty and the
majority of the people are unsheltered, while I take
responsibility for being a Quantity Surveyor, I will
also like to be given the chance of being a consumer
of Housing.
The Author:
Rotimi Taiwo is the Coordinator of Young Quantity Surveyors Forum
Ogun State Chapter and currently works as a Quantity Surveyor with
Ogun State Ministry of Housing, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.
09
 ROLE OF THE YOUNG QS
IN THE PROCUREMENT OF BUILDING AND
ENGINEERING SERVICES
BY: QS NWANKWO EMMANUEL

Q uantity surveying is universal. However, it is

carried out under different names. In
countries like the USA, quantity surveying is
closely related to cost engineering, while they
automobile, mining, telecommunication, shipping,
transport, and agriculture.
The major impetuses for this diversification are the
quantity surveyors' culture of elasticity and changing
are also referred to as cost economists or cost clients' requirements. There is also increasing
consultants in other countries .

However, quantity surveying is more than any of

those names or titles. Perhaps the phrase “quantity
surveying” is a catch-up term that hides a multitude
of meanings. The modern quantity surveyors
perform various types of services that extend beyond
the services traditional quantity surveyors provide
and higher institutions offering quantity-surveying
programs are responding accordingly by modifying
and upgrading their course content.
Quantity surveyors provide advice on the strategic
planning of a project. For a construction work, this
advice affects clients' decisions on whether to
construct or not, and if the client decides to
construct, what effect does cost have on other criteria
within the clients/users value systems including time awareness on accountability and transparency.
and quality, function, satisfactions, comfort and
aesthetics. Building Engineering Services
As is usually the case, even under the traditional Building engineering services are part of the building;
procurement system where the quantity surveyor is in a bill of quantities, it is commonly considered a
not usually the lead or prime consultant, all other single element. Broadly, the element comprises two
members of the team, including the client relate with major components namely the mechanical and
him and supply valuable information to the quantity electrical (M&E) components.
surveyor (a converging point!) to enable him prepare
' a c c u r a t e e s t i m a t e s ' t o m a ke m e a n i n g f u l The components generally include, plumbing
contributions towards the successful completion of installation, electrical installation, air-conditioning,
construction facilities. heating ventilation, lift installation, firefighting and
c o m m u n i c a t i o n i n s t a l l a t i o n . U s u a l l y, t h e
Regardless of the procurement strategies adopted, engineering services are treated on the basis of
the roles of quantity surveyors are prominent for the outline drawings and specifications and ultimately
successful completion of projects. Modern priced as a lump sum contract or cost reimbursable
procurement strategies like Private Public contract.
Partnership (PPP) have increased the potential and However, this is grossly irreconcilable with the values
relevance of the quantity surveyors towards best systems of modern clients and building users.
service delivery. 'Modern' quantity surveyors are Perhaps, previously, one could consider procuring
diversifying in the services they offer into various construction works, or the engineering works
industries including petrochemical, manufacturing, specifically with the lump sum or cost reimbursable

10 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

but current construction supply chain and markets
have rendered this approach inadequate.
A plausible explanation for this is the gradual
increase in the cost of engineering services that is
exceeding 30% of the total capital costs. In some
buildings like hospitals, laboratories, mega shopping
complexes and hotels, it could represents more than
60% of the capital costs. Added to this is the fact that
the greater the increase in the size of engineering
service in capital cost, the higher the operation cost
and the maintenance of the building while in
operation. Close to 80% of the operation costs of
buildings are attributable to engineering services.
Decisions made on layout, design and specifications
have cost implications on both the capital costs and
operation costs.
Hence, there is a need for this scope of work to be
rigorously measured like other construction
elements. Therefore, the skills and knowledge of the
young quantity surveyor in this element is critical.
Quantity surveyors who do not possess these
required competencies cannot provide the value
added service expected of them. Currently, specialist
quantity surveyors in engineering services are invited
for large facilities distinct from standard quantity
surveyors. For most quantity surveyors, involvement
in the engineering services is unknown territory.
Added to which is that by their very nature,
engineering services tend to be very complex.
For the young quantity surveyor to provide value
added services, they must have detailed knowledge
and skills of the construction works, a failure of which
will inhibit the delivery of the value added services to
the clients and to other members of the design and
construction teams.
The procurement of the engineering services with
most of the procurement methods is further
fragmenting the supply chain. This fragmentation
makes it difficult for the quantity surveyors to
provide expert advice at the upstream in the
procurement of building services. In part, this would
possibly explain why the contractors' quantity
surveyors are more competent in offering cost
management expertise advice on the engineering
services as compared to those in consultancies. For
instance, as the contractors' quantity surveyors
prepare payment for claim, interim valuation,
T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
progress reports and final accounts, the interactions
with the services engineers and subcontractor
provide strong channels for knowledge and skills
transfer and acquisition.
Managing a construction from the design through to
the operation stage requires knowledge on all aspects
of the constructed facilities. Throughout the life of a
project, the quantity surveyors are required to advise
all stakeholders on financial probity, procurement
and achieving the stakeholders' value systems.
Quantity surveyors are involved both in downstream
and upstream aspects of engineering service
procurement, but the majority remain restricted to
the downstream.
The general training of the quantity surveyor pays
less attention to the building engineering services .
The quantity surveyors interested with building
engineering services tend to acquire their skills and
knowledge from post graduate studies,
apprenticeships or on the job training. This does not
mean that the job training or apprenticeships are
bad, but there is a need for their formal education to
account for this basic knowledge in order to prepare
them for what they must accept as their primary
function.
Summary
In order for the young quantity surveyor to remain
competitive, there is a need to embrace value added
tools, skills, and expertise. The young QS needs to be
involved in both the downstream and upstream sides
in the supply chain and construction market to
provide value added services. The current business
model is 'pushing' the clients demand for
construction to be completed on schedule, within
budget, with maximum performance, reliability,
safety, and meeting other criteria within their client
value system.
• Participation at International
workshop/conference.
• Partnership with NIQS in organising Annual
QS/PM Job fair.
• Entrepreneurship summit.
• Inter school quiz competition and sporting.
• Leadership Summit.
The programmes designed as action plan to guide
steering committee and chapters volunteer leaders
The Author:
QS NWANKWO EMMANUEL
11
 “HARNESSING THE BENEFITS OF AGE DIVERSITY IN
QUANTITY SURVEYING FIRMS”

BY: QS Mohammed Mohammed Ndagi

D
iversity refers to any characteristic that
makes people different from one another. It
is the differences and similarities amongst
employees working in an organization.
In the context of age, diversity is seen as an integral
part of various Quantity Surveying firms. This is
because, most of these firms are composed of both
old and young employees who must come together to
exchange acquired knowledge, ideas, experience and
skills in other to achieve organizational goals or
competitiveness.
Age diversity has become an indispensable
requirement for Quantity Surveying firms to be
creative and exposed to emerging changes. Older
employees contribute a lot to the firm due to the
knowledge and experience they have accumulated
over the years. However, their physical ability, speed
and coordination starts to decline leading to reduced
productivity. On the other hand, the young
employees have the required physical strength, can
work with speed and adapt easily to the use of
emerging technologies in service delivery. While
they have little industry experience as compared to
the older employees.
Having a mixture of both young and old employees
in Quantity Surveying firms can lead to new
innovations, sharing of skills and experience,
knowledge enhancement, team coherent, improves
deliberation of alternative solutions and problem
solving. However, without proper management, age
diversity can generate problems such as
m i s c o m m u n i c a t i o n , c re a t i o n o f b a r r i e r s ,
discrimination, conflicts, partiality and bias.
Quantity Surveying firms can reap the benefits of age
diversity by implementing measures such as diversity
training and awareness and encouraging reverse
mentoring between old and young employees. Firms
can also benefit from a diverse age workforce when
they include all members of different ages in decision
making and problem solving as well as providing all
age groups with equal opportunities for training and
career development within the organization.
In conclusion, age diversity is perceived to be a
“double-edged sword” as it can positively or
negatively affect the operation of Quantity
Surveying firms. Therefore, firms should adopt an
effective diversity management practices that will
help the organization to overcome the obstacles of
age diversity and obtain the benefits of having a
diverse workforce.
The Author:
Mohammed Mohammed Ndagi

12 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

 AS A QUANTITY SURVEYOR, AFTER SUCCESSFUL
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT HANDING OVER WHAT NEXT?
BY: QS ADEKOYA SUBOMI,
C
onstruction Contract Administration is one
of the most difficult tasks to think of as a
Quantity Surveyor as it involves integrating
series of steps, ideas, methods and processes to
ensure that a project is being put to an end
successfully. It is an undisputed fact that many
projects failed to see the light of the day due to
improper management and for a project to be
regarded as a successful project it must fulfil its
objectives in terms of scope definition, cost
allocation, time set, quality expectations, benefits to
be enjoyed by end users and befitting closing after
handing over. Therefore, a project must be closed
according to the terms of contract in order to be
regarded as being a successful project.
Young Quantity Surveyors in the industry must have
been bemused with some unanswered questions
regarding the steps required to be taken after
successful handover of construction project to the
client. This is one of the questions that struck my
mind when I was opportune to act as a contract
administrator on one of the projects delivered for my
organization, so I thought of sharing this with my
colleagues in the industry using this platform.
The handover of construction project takes effect
T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
MNIQS. RQS
once the Contract Administrator confirms practical
completion of the project. However, after
construction project handing over, below are the
actions required to be taken as a Quantity Surveyor.
1. Keep track record of the handing over date
because from that date the Defect Liability Period
(DLP) of the project starts.
2. Penultimate Certificate will be prepared for
payments reconciliation.
3. Assessment of work executed by the
Contractor begins and you will be ready to take
feedbacks from the client or end users in order to
draw your snag list for all work required to be rectified
by the contractor
4. The snags listed must be rectified and
delivered to the best satisfaction of the Client within
the duration of the DLP usually six (6) months
depending on the contract agreement.
5. Follow up with Contractor to ensure all
identified defects are rectified within the DLP
specified in the contract. Where Contractor failed to
rectify defect within the time specified, the
Contractor should be notified of his failure to act
accordingly which would give a justification to give
such work to another contractor to execute and the
cost implication of the work would be net-off from
the Contractor retention fee.
6. After all defects have been rectified and DLP
is over then Final Account will be prepared which
must be agreed by the parties to the Contract (most
importantly the Contractor and the Quantity
Surveyor). Remember final account is not final until
the main project stakeholders agreed to the
document.
I hope this would be of help to us in its own little way.
Thank you.
The Author:
QS ADEKOYA SUBOMI OWOLABI, MNIQS, RQS
Subomi Adekoya is a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity
Surveyors (NIQS) and a PRINCE2(R) Certified Project Manager.
A 2015 graduate of Quantity Surveying from Yaba College of
Technology. Currently works with Eat N' Go Limited.
He enjoys reading, travelling, aerobics, playing tennis and football.
13
 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
BY: QS IMOLEAYO AWODELE
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the capability of
individuals to recognize their own emotions and
those of others, discern between different feelings
and label them appropriately, use emotional
information to guide thinking and behavior, and
manage and/or adjust emotions to adapt to
environments or achieve one's goal(s).
We define EI as the ability to:
Recognize, understand and manage
· our own emotions.
· Recognize, understand and influence the
emotions of others.
In practical terms, this means being aware that
emotions can drive our behavior and impact people
(positively and negatively), and learning how to
manage those emotions – both our own and others –
especially when we are under pressure.
According to the African Emotional Intelligence
Conference 2018, Emotional Quotient (EQ) is more
important than Intelligent Quotient (IQ) in any
pursuit .In Africa however, there is still very low
intentional and pragmatic utilization of Emotional
Intelligence Competencies and Tools as a driver for
14 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
increased productivity, improved profitability and
optimized learning.
Why Emotional Intelligence matters?
Many people have a tendency to suppress, ignore or
dismiss feelings, especially when they are
uncomfortable. Over time, this habit reduces one's
capacity for self-awareness, limiting our potential to
perform and undermine our health.
Businesses that lack Emotional Intelligence may see
rigid or defensive behavior in their people, poor team
working, low levels of personal resilience and
reoccurring emotional outbursts.
Businesses high in Emotional Intelligence benefit
from more engaged employees and leaders, staff who
are more able to adapt and cope with change, better
team working, collaboration and innovation.
Science has shown that feeling precedes thought and
behavior. The business evidence is clear; taking
emotion out of work does not increase employee
engagements, drive customer satisfaction or build
high performance – managing emotion effectively
does.
Why are emotions so important?
Science has demonstrated the fundamental nature of
emotions in all human interactions and cognition.
Emotion is at the heart of scientific investigation into
theories of leadership, motivation and change.
Emotions play a central role in the interaction of
brain, mind, and body – without emotions we cannot
make decisions or relate effectively.
It is the intelligent use of emotions that is crucial to
sustainable high performance and decision making.
In 1995, a psychologist and science journalist Daniel
Goleman published a book introducing most of the
world to the nascent concept of emotional
intelligence. The idea--that an ability to understand
and manage emotions greatly increases our chances
of success--quickly took off, and it went on to greatly
influence the way people think about emotions and
human behavior.
But what does emotional intelligence look like, as
manifested in everyday life?
I've identified a number of actions that illustrate how
emotional intelligence appears in the real world.
Here are 13 of them:
1. You think about feelings.
Emotional intelligence begins with what is called
self- and social awareness, the ability to recognize
emotions (and their impact) in both yourself and
others.
That awareness begins with reflection. You ask
questions like:
· What are my emotional strengths? What are
my weaknesses?
· How does my current mood affect my
thoughts and decision making?
· What's going on under the surface that
influences what others say or do?
Pondering questions like these yield valuable insights
that can be used to your advantage.
2. You pause.
The pause is as simple as taking a moment to stop
and think before you speak or act. (Easy in theory,
difficult in practice.) This can help save you from
embarrassing moments or from making
commitments too quickly.
In other words, pausing helps you refrain from
making a permanent decision based on a temporary
emotion.
3. You strive to control your thoughts.
You don't have much control over the emotions you
experience in a given moment. But you can control
your reaction to those emotions--by focusing on your
thoughts. (As it's been said: You can't prevent a bird
from landing on your head, but you can keep it from
building a nest.)
By striving to control your thoughts, you resist
becoming a slave to your emotions, allowing yourself
to live in a way that's in harmony with your goals and
values.
4. You benefit from criticism.
Nobody enjoys negative feedback. But you know that
criticism is a chance to learn, even if it's not delivered
in the best way. And even when it's unfounded, it
gives you a window into how others think.
When you receive negative feedback, you keep your
T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
emotions in check and ask yourself: How can this
make me better?
5. You show authenticity.
Authenticity doesn't mean sharing everything about
yourself, to everyone, all of the time. It does mean
saying what you mean, meaning what you say, and
sticking to your values and principles above all else.
You know not everyone will appreciate you, sharing
your thoughts and feelings. But the ones who matter
will.
6. You demonstrate empathy.
The ability to show empathy, which includes
understanding others' thoughts and feelings, helps
you connect with others. Instead of judging or
labeling others, you work hard to see things through
their eyes.
Empathy doesn't necessarily mean agreeing with
another person's point of view. Rather, it's about
striving to understand--which allows you to build
deeper and more connected relationships.
7 . Yo u p r a i s e o t h e r s . A l l h u m a n s c r a v e
acknowledgement and appreciation. When you
commend others, you satisfy that craving and build
trust in the process.
This all begins when you focus on the good in others.
Then, by sharing specifically what you appreciate,
you inspire them to be the best version of themselves.
8. You give helpful feedback. Negative feedback has
great potential to hurt the feelings of others.
Realizing this, you reframe criticism as constructive
feedback, so the recipient sees it as helpful instead of
harmful.
9. You apologize.
It takes strength and courage to be able to say you're
sorry. But doing so demonstrates humility, a quality
that will naturally draw others to you.
Emotional intelligence helps you realize that
apologizing doesn't always mean you're wrong. It
does mean valuing your relationship more than your
ego.
10. You forgive and forget.
Hanging on to resentment is like leaving a knife
inside a wound. While the offending party moves on
with their life, you never give yourself the chance to
heal.
When you forgive and forget, you prevent others
from holding your emotions hostage--allowing you to
15
move forward.
11. You keep your commitments.
It's common nowadays for people to break an
agreement or commitment when they feel like it. Of
course, bailing on an evening of Netflix with a friend
will cause less harm than breaking a promise to your
child or missing a major business deadline.
But when you make a habit of keeping your word--in
things big and small--you develop a strong
reputation for reliability and trustworthiness.
12. You help others.
One of the greatest ways to positively impact the
emotions of others is to help them. Most people
don't really care where you graduated from, or even
about your previous accomplishments. But what
about the hours you're willing to take out of your
schedule to listen or help out? Your readiness to get
down in the trenches and work alongside them?
Actions like these build trust and inspire others to
follow your lead when it counts.
13. You protect yourself from emotional sabotage.
You realize that emotional intelligence also has a dark
side-such as when individuals attempt to manipulate
others' emotions to promote a personal agenda or for
some other selfish cause.
And that's why you continue to sharpen your own
16 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER
emotional intelligence--to protect yourself when
they do.
Reference or Source:
Daniel Goleman (1995) Emotional Intelligence
emotional-intelligence (2018, Novemeber 10)
.Retrieved from
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-
health/emotional-intelligence-
eq.htm#:~:text=Emotional%20intelligence%20(o
therwise%20known%20as,overcome%20challenges
%20and%20defuse%20conflict.
Africa Emotional Intelligence Conference(
2018):The Largest Gathering Of Corporate Africa
On Emotional Intelligence, between May 30 & 31,
2018, Lagos, Nigeria
Retrieved from
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10429-
emotional-intelligence-career-success.html
The Author:
QS IMOLEAYO AWODELE
 FCT, ABUJA
CHAPTER 01

T E C H N I C A L S I T E V I S I T AT T H E H A L I B I Z I N D U S T R I E S ' C O N S T R U C T I O N S I T E

NIQS FCT CHAPTER AT QS HENRY OKAFOR'S WEDDING RECEPTION YQSF COURTESY VIST TO NIQS UNITY CHAPTER DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER 17

 LAGOS
CHAPTER 02

YQSF REPRESENTATIVES
IMO STATE
CHAPTER 03

18 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

 PLATEAU
CHAPTER 03
BIO WRITING CHALLENGE HOSTED
BY YQS-FPSC

W i n n e r

BIO CHALLENGE
Miss Bamimosu hALIMAT aDEBUKOLA

BIOGRAPHY WRITING CHALLENGE POWERED BY YQS PLATEAU CHAPTER

TPC,GDE NIQS EXAMS

KANO STATE
CHAPTER 04

T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER 19

 OYO STATE
CHAPTER 05

YQSF OYO CHAPTER EXCOS GANG OUT

YQSF REPRESENTATIVES
AKWA IBOM
CHAPTER 06

AT THE INVESTITURE OF NIQS CHAPTER EXECUTIVES AND FIRST PHYSICAL MEETING

20 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

 YQSF REPRESENTATIVES
NIGER STATE
CHAPTER 07

YQSF NIGER MEMBERS AT NIQS AGM IN MINNA, NIGER STATE YQSF NIGER WITH STAFF AND STUDENTS OF FED. POLYTECHNIC REP. NORTH-CENTRAL AT THE FIRST EDITION OF
BIDA AFTER AN INTERACTIVE SESSION IN BIDA, NIGER STATE NIQS-YQSF STUDENT QUIZ COMPETITION IN LAGOS

E K O A T L A N T I C C I T Y, L A G O S , L A G O S S TA T E R E P R E S E N TA T I V E S W I T H O T H E R P A R T I C I P A N T S A T A N I Q S E V E N T I N I L O R I N , K W A R A S TA T E

ANAMBRA
CHAPTER 08

A N A M B R A S TAT E Y Q S F M E M B E R S I N A G R O U P P H OTO G R A P H

T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER 21

 EBONYI
CHAPTER 09

E B O N Y I S TAT E Y Q S F M E M B E R S I N A G R O U P P H OTO G R A P H

YQSF REPRESENTATIVES
ADAMAWA
CHAPTER 10

YQSF NE TECHNICAL SITE AT FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER (FMC) YOLA

22 T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER

THE YOUNG QUANTITY SURVEYOR’S FORUM VOYAGE 2020 EDITION NEWSLETTER

YQSF NATIONAL EXECUTIVES

VACANT SEAT

T H E YQ S F VOYAG E 2 02 1 NEWS LETTER 23

THE YQSF

BRIEF
NIQS YOUNG QUANTITY SURVEYS FORUM The professional construction cost managers.

VISION STATEMENT
To be a premier organization of young professionals in Nigeria, contributing to
the growth of natural and built environment, and by extension the overall
economy.

MISSION STATEMENT
To create avenue for networking, mentorship, training, leadership and
volunteering, to the benet of the young members, the Institute and the
profession at large.

The Forum demonstrates capacity, delivers outstanding supports to young

members towards retaining, and attracting young talents into the Quantity
surveying profession. In specic, the Young Quantity Surveyors Forum conducts
underlisted programmes:

Technical sessions to project sites,

Classroom & virtual sessions,

Speaks with thousands of secondary school students

via #Project get Kids into QS

Conducts webinars with an array of national and

international speaks,

Provides support for members to become

Corporate Members of NIQS in a
timely manner,

Volunteers to Chapters, national body,

and various national organs.