By Akande Michael

Jide Taiwo & Co., a leading firm of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, has raised concerns over the persistent cases of building collapse in Nigeria, warning that disregard for professional standards and regulatory requirements continues to endanger lives and property across the country.

The firm made the observation during its Job Fair and Career Day 2026 held at the University of Lagos, UNILAG, where it also announced cash rewards and automatic employment opportunities for outstanding graduating students of the institution’s Department of Estate Management.

Speaking at the event, an Estate surveyor and valuer with Jide Taiwo & Co. Bashiru Tajudeen Olalekan, attributed the rising incidence of building collapse to non-compliance with statutory approvals and the engagement of unqualified personnel in construction projects.

According to him, many property developers and building owners often sidestep professional processes and employ inexperienced craftsmen instead of qualified architects, engineers and builders, thereby compromising structural integrity.
He said: “Building collapse continues to rise across the country, raising concerns among stakeholders in the construction and real estate sectors. The industry itself is a consortium of professionals within the built environment.”

Olalekan maintained that buildings handled by qualified professionals rarely collapse unless standards are deliberately compromised.
“It is when you don’t get the necessary and requisite approvals that causes all these building collapses. If you look at it critically, the professionals involved in these projects rarely consider a building they handled collapsing, except they choose to go the other way around the project,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged the efforts of regulatory agencies such as the Lagos State Building Control Agency and the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, noting that periodic inspections of construction sites were already being carried out.

According to him, the agencies possess the statutory powers needed to enforce compliance and significantly reduce incidents of building collapse if existing regulations are strictly implemented.
“Building collapse may continue to threaten lives and property across the country if established regulations are not strictly adhered to,” he warned.

In a move aimed at promoting excellence and attracting more young professionals into the estate surveying profession, Olalekan announced a N1 million scholarship and reward package for outstanding students of the University of Lagos.

He disclosed that the company would present N500,000 to the overall best graduating student in the Department of Estate Management and another N500,000 to the best female graduating student.
Beyond the monetary rewards, he said the firm’s commitment extends to providing immediate employment opportunities for top-performing students.

“The first three best graduating students of UNILAG are going to be offered automatic employment opportunities in both the male and female categories,” he stated.

Earlier, Prof. Olumide Adenuga, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, underscored the importance of industry exposure and career development initiatives in preparing students for future challenges in the profession.

She noted that interactions between students and industry practitioners help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional practice.

Similarly, Prof. Hikmot Adunola Koleoso, Head of the Department of Estate Management, urged students to embrace innovation, practical learning and continuous professional development to remain competitive in the evolving real estate industry.

He said programmes such as the Career Day expose students to emerging opportunities and career paths within the profession.

Also speaking, ESV Adebiyi Ayeni of Jide Taiwo & Co. described the initiative as part of the firm’s broader commitment to mentoring and preparing the next generation of estate surveyors and valuers.
“We just have to prepare for the future now. For the students, it’s a great privilege and opportunity to have people who are already practising come around to mentor them, give presentations and get them ready for the profession ahead. It is part of our corporate social responsibility to society,” he said.

Ayeni explained that the programme was designed to equip students with practical knowledge and guide them through the steps required to build successful careers in estate surveying and valuation.
“We also feel it is an opportunity for us to build our future as Surveyors and Valuers right from this institution. Everything we have delivered to them today are the steps they need to take to prepare themselves for the profession,” he added.

Speaking on the rationale behind the initiative, Ayeni said the company, which was incorporated in 1980, considered it necessary to give back to society after more than four decades of contributing to the growth of the profession.
“Our firm has been in existence since 1980. This is about 46 years. We have produced many Surveyors and Valuers who are today chief executives of their own firms. We sowed the seed and we believe we should continue from the cradle by helping young people understand the profession and prepare for it,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the presentations delivered during the programme would inspire students who may not have previously considered a career in estate surveying.
“I believe that with the presentations today, even students who do not really want to become Surveyors may have a rethink after hearing about the opportunities and impact of the profession,” Ayeni said.

He further disclosed that the Career Day is an annual programme through which the company visits institutions across different states to promote awareness of the profession and mentor prospective practitioners.

“This is not the only institution. It is something we do annually. We move from one state to another and from one institution to another to enlighten students. It is largely about advocacy for the profession,” he added.

The event brought together academics, industry practitioners and students, providing a platform for discussions on career development, professional ethics, innovation and opportunities within the real estate sector.