The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has raised concerns over the growing gap in business competence among young Nigerian surveyors, warning that many graduates, especially those from polytechnics risk being undervalued by clients if they fail to acquire strong business and entrepreneurial skills.
He gave the warning during an official visit by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch of the Young Surveyors Network (YSN) to his office in Abuja.
The visit was part of the YSN’s effort to build capacity, promote mentorship, and deepen the professional knowledge of upcoming surveyors.
“You are supposed to think like a businessman. That is not what we are getting majorly from polytechnic graduates. They are not being exposed to the business side of things.
“Even at the university level, the exposure may be minimal, but at least there’s some awareness. Without a business mindset, you risk being underestimated by clients, no matter how technically sound you are,” Adebomehin said.
He noted that many young professionals enter the workforce technically competent but unprepared for the realities of client relationships, value negotiation, and entrepreneurial thinking that define long-term success in the profession.
“The business side of surveying is not about revealing the secrets of your craft to outsiders just to stay relevant. On the contrary, it’s about understanding your worth, delivering value, and protecting the integrity of your profession. When clients sense you don’t understand that, they underprice you, or worse, overlook you,” the SGOF warned.
Head of Hydrography at the Office of the Surveyor General, Surv. Robert Coker, reinforced the SGOF’s position. He urged the young surveyors to develop beyond technical knowledge and understand how to position themselves in a competitive market.
According to Coker: “Surveying is a professional service, and like any service, it has a business side. If you don’t think like an entrepreneur, know how to manage value and protect your professional identity, others will define your worth for you.”
The Chairperson of the YSN, FCT branch, Surv. Izuegbu Uju, who led the delegation, explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening the capacity of young surveyors through mentorship and engagement with key institutions.
“This visit is about knowledge exchange, mentorship, and understanding the infrastructure and workings of the Surveyor General’s office. We want to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the profession so that surveying remains relevant in an ever-changing world,” she said.
The Secretary of the YSN, Surv. Oluwaseun Sherif Akinpelu, also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the leadership of the surveying profession. “We are grateful for the warm reception and the wisdom shared with us today. We hope to apply these insights in our various careers moving forward.”
