President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mr Mohammed Abba -Tor, on Thursday, advocated severe punishment against quacks in the profession, as part of efforts to rid the profession of quackery.
Abba -Tor who stated this in Akure, Ondo State capital, during the investiture and inauguration of the state Chairman of NIQS, Mr Akinnimi Akinsunlola, said the leadership of the body would not sit down and watch the noble profession ruined by quacks.
He disclosed that there was an arrangement and collaboration with Quantity Surveyors Regulatory Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) to ensure that all quacks are flush out of the profession.
According to him, the need to strengthen regulation to address the challenges confronting Quantity Surveyors across the country became imperative to flush out fake and quack surveyors.
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.
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“The issue of quackery we are working towards putting it to an end now before you can be recognised as a quantity surveyor, your chapter must recognise you, even at the national level with a clean bill of membership. We have to limit ourselves to the areas of our specialisation,” he said
He explained that there was a need for professionals to adhere strictly to approved requirements in handling a project, without compromising standards.
He, however, urged every stakeholder in the construction sector to work in total compliant with the ethics of the profession.
In his address, the new Chairman of the institute in Ondo State, Akinsunlola promised to move the institution forward and 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 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, software.
“Welfare of members must be cared for and ensure that training and re-training of Quantity Surveyors at all level are maintained.”
The state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, advised that professional bodies should be separated saying “civil engineer should not take the job of a quantity surveyor, quantity surveyor should not say that I am an architect because the definition is so clear.”
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.
Some members of the new NIQS senate 2020-2021 include; 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.
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