Former NIS VP Urges FUOYE Surveying Students on Professional Integrity

Dr. Oyedokun Abiodun, a former Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), recently underscored the critical importance of integrity and ethical conduct for students pursuing careers in surveying. Speaking at a mentoring session in Oye Ekiti on Saturday, Dr. Abiodun delivered his address during the week-long celebration hosted by the Nigerian Institution of Surveying and Geoinformatics Students at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti. The event was themed ‘Charting the course: Professional excellence, ethics and the future of geomatics’.

The seasoned surveyor and academic highlighted the significant transformation of the surveying profession into a high-technology, essential foundation of contemporary society. He emphasized that for students to become highly sought-after professionals, they must cultivate strong academic and technical skills, maintain dignity, and commit to continuous learning and adaptability. Dr. Abiodun specifically cautioned the students, stating, “Do not study merely to pass; study to understand. Embrace the field, endure the heat of the sun during your exercises and master the software. A surveyor who cannot deliver accurate results is a liability to the public and the profession.”

Dr. Abiodun further elaborated on the pitfalls of compromising ethics, sharing, “In my years of practice and as a Fellow of NIS, I have seen brilliant careers ruined by a single ethical compromise. Our profession deals with land, ownership and massive financial investments. This makes us targets for temptation. Always remember that integrity is the ultimate currency of a surveyor.” He also encouraged the students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, noting, “Embrace entrepreneurship. The modern surveyor is also a business manager. Learn communication skills, understand how to write winning proposals, and study the basics of project management.”

Also addressing the gathering, the Ekiti State Surveyor-General, John Faleto, congratulated the students on entering “this noble profession that stands at the intersection of science, law, and nation-building.” He reminded them of their critical role, asserting, “You are trained to be the custodian of land information, the most valuable asset of any nation.” Faleto highlighted technological advancements, adding, “Your generation is so lucky because of technology that has replaced the conventional and cumbersome way of carrying out field exercises. You need to be more committed and curious to grow in the profession. Master your equipment and protect the integrity of your measurements.”

Emiola Ashogbon, who coordinates the Women in Surveying, Ekiti State branch, also motivated the students to fully utilize the networking and learning prospects presented by the event. She offered a prayer, saying, “May the knowledge gained, relationships built and experiences shared on this occasion contribute positively to your academic and professional journey.”

The Ekiti State Branch of the NIS conveyed its goodwill, advising students “to remain focused, disciplined and committed to continuous learning. Embrace innovation, uphold professional ethics and develop entrepreneurial skills that will position you for self-reliance and leadership in a rapidly evolving world.” In their joint message, NIS State Chairman, Sunday Afolayan, and Secretary, J.M Babatope, reminded the students, “The future of the profession depends greatly on your dedication, competence, and willingness to create solutions that will impact society positively. We urge you to take advantage of every opportunity for mentorship, capacity building and professional networking during this week-long programme.”

Joseph Adeyemi, Chairman of the Young Surveyors’ Network, Ekiti State, also sent a message of goodwill, encouraging students “to stay focused, keep building technical capacity, and most importantly, cultivate strong professional networks. Always identify with the YSN in your state, as it remains a platform for mentorship, exposure, and professional growth.” Furthermore, the Chairman of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria, Ekiti State branch, challenged the students, stating, “You are the next generation that will map Nigeria’s smart cities, manage climate data, and secure land rights with integrity.”

Representing the FUOYE Class of 2026 Geopioneers, Ridwan Olatayo extended gratitude to the lecturers, departmental staff, the NIS, and all surveyors in the state “for their commitment to shaping us into competent professionals.” Olatayo acknowledged the comprehensive training received, stating, “Through your mentorship and guidance, we have gained valuable knowledge and skills in Geodesy, Cadastral Surveying, Photogrammetry, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing and Engineering Surveying. The strong foundation laid by this institution has equipped us to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s geospatial industry and beyond.”