By Ayodele Abere
Government agencies have been charged to accelerate the digitalisation of land administration systems using GIS-based and secure digital platforms.
The call was part of the recommendations made by Professor Amos Adewusi of the Department of Estate Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, while delivering a paper titled “Towards Meeting Contemporary Challenges in Real Estate Practice through Science and Technology in Nigeria” at the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Seminar of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) held on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Professor Adewusi emphasized the need to develop a national real estate data infrastructure to support transparent valuation and investment analysis. He added that ethical guidelines governing AI usage should equally be established to protect professional integrity and clients’ confidentiality.
He stressed that the integration of science and technology aligns directly with NIESV’s mandate to promote professional competence, ethical practice, and continuous professional development.
According to him, MCPD programmes focusing on AI, GIS, BIM, drones, and PropTech tools would equip practitioners with skills required for modern practice while safeguarding professional standards.
Also speaking, Dr. Chris Adebola Opeyemi of the Department of Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, delivered a paper on “The Strategic Integration of Geospatial Technologies within the Estate Surveying and Valuation Profession: A Paradigmatic Shift in Global Land Administration and Asset Management.”
He noted that despite its benefits, the relationship between geospatial technology and the estate surveying profession in Nigeria remains complicated by several challenges. Dr. Opeyemi highlighted the futuristic application of geospatial technology in real estate through the development of “Digital Twins” dynamic, virtual replicas of physical buildings or cities connected to real-time data feeds.
In his presentation titled “Globalisation of Valuation Practice with Reference to Valuation Standards Book in Nigeria,”ESV Oladeji Ibukun Ebisemiju, a member of NIESV, stated that globalisation encourages continuous professional development. He noted that Nigerian estate surveyors and valuers are now more engaged in international training, certifications, and conferences, enriching their expertise and keeping them updated on global trends.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Ekiti Branch MCPD Committee, Professor Ayodele Olatunji, remarked that the seminar would add to the growing body of knowledge in the application of science and technology in real estate practice.
The Chairman of NIESV, Ekiti State Branch, ESV Ekundayo Oluwasola, said the institution would continue to provide training and resources to enhance members’ tech proficiency. He recommended collaboration with tech providers, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to drive innovation.
The well-attended event, which featured dignitaries from all walks of life, including government functionaries, was highlighted by an award presentation to deserving individuals.
