The Surveyor General of the Federation (SGOF), Surv. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, has cautioned young Nigerian surveyors, particularly polytechnic graduates, about the dangers of lacking business and entrepreneurial skills in their profession.
Adebomehin issued the warning during a courtesy visit by members of 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 initiative to enhance capacity, encourage mentorship, and deepen professional knowledge among young practitioners.
“You are supposed to think like a businessman. That is not what we are getting majorly from polytechnic graduates,” Adebomehin said. “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.”
The SGOF stressed that technical competence alone is no longer enough in today’s competitive environment. He urged young professionals to understand client engagement, value negotiation, and entrepreneurship to remain relevant and respected in the industry.
He explained, “The business side of surveying is not about revealing trade secrets. It’s about understanding your worth, delivering value, and safeguarding the integrity of the profession. When clients sense that you don’t grasp these aspects, they underprice or overlook you.”
Also speaking, Surv. Robert Coker, Head of Hydrography at the Office of the Surveyor General, echoed Adebomehin’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of thinking like entrepreneurs. “Surveying is a professional service, and like any service, it has a business side,” he said. “If you don’t manage your value and professional identity, others will define your worth for you.”
Chairperson of the YSN FCT branch, Surv. Izuegbu Uju, who led the delegation, said the visit was aimed at fostering mentorship and gaining insights from established professionals. “We want to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the profession so that surveying remains relevant in an ever-changing world,” she noted.
The Secretary of the YSN, Surv. Oluwaseun Sherif Akinpelu, also expressed gratitude to the SGOF and his team for the mentorship opportunity. “We hope to apply these insights in our various careers moving forward,” he said.
