Investing in real estate education seen repositioning firms for global competition
As recession continues to take its toll on every sector of the Nigerian economy, one major way for local real estate market players and firms to remain competitive in the globalised economy they operate is to equip themselves with the right skills and knowledge by investing in real estate education.
From history, the option of carrying on and doing nothing has always ended up in failure of firms and individuals that chose not to make the right investment in knowledge acquisition at a time like this.
Global economic recession, Brexit and falling oil prices have combined impact on the Nigerian economy. Various economists have proffered varied solutions to the problem including diversification and attracting inward investment with little or no results in terms of improved economic condition.
Experts are, however, saying that whichever option is chosen, it is pertinent to invest in the growth sectors of the economy which will involve attracting foreign investment into those growth sectors.
“In order to achieve this goal, there must be inward investment in the provision of infrastructure such as power (electricity, gas, water), roads, bridges, railways, airports etc”, says Akintoye Akinosi, CEO of London-based CraneswayHoreb Consulting Limited, who hopes too that many foreign companies will have to invest in such infrastructure and will be looking for firms or individuals who have the right set of skills and knowledge to execute such projects.
One of such skills that will be required, according to him, is that of a chartered surveyor because most international clients usually look for those firms or individuals that are professional and can add value. “They will be expecting detailed advice that will enable them to make decisions on real estate investments; they will require those who have good knowledge of the local market and can ensure that their assets are properly managed and returns are maximized and a chartered surveyor is strategically placed to provide such services”, he notes.
It is for this reason that University College of Estate Management (UCEM), the leading provider of online learning programmes, is offering training opportunities to individuals and firms that want to remain competitive. Akinosi advises that investing in the future by studying with UCEM guarantees that such investors are strategically placed to compete globally.
CraneswayHoreb Consulting will be visiting Nigeria with UCEM which, since 1919, has supported over 150,000 students worldwide and the aim of the visit is to recruit students for courses that are recognised by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB) and CABE leading to the award of BSc (Hons) Building Surveying; BSc (Hons) Construction Management, BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying; and BSc (Hons) Real Estate Management.
The university also offers Masters programmes leading to the award of MSc Building Surveying; MSc Construction Management; MSc Quantity Surveying, and MSc Real Estate. Akinosi confirmed at the weekend that the university would be in Lagos for three days within the second week of November for the recruitment and interested candidates should arm themselves with relevant qualifying certificates and degrees ranging from A’Level to Masters.
CHUKA UROKO