History of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria

1. Introduction

The Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria is the statutory regulatory body established to oversee the education, registration, and professional practice of Quantity Surveying in Nigeria, the Board was constituted on Tuesday, 31 October 1989 under Major Gen. M. T. Kontagora (Rtd). Its creation marked a significant milestone in the formalisation and regulation of the profession, ensuring standards, ethics, and competence in the built environment sector.

2. Establishment and Legal Framework

The Board was established by Decree No. 31 of 1986, now codified as Cap Q1, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004. The Act empowered the Board to:

  • Determine the standards of knowledge and skill required for registration;
  • Approve courses, institutions, and qualifications (accreditation);
  • Register qualified Quantity Surveyors;
  • Regulate and control professional practice in Nigeria.

Although established in 1986, the operation of the Board took a few years. The first Governing Board was inaugurated in November 1989, marking the beginning of its institutional activities. Subsequently, the Board commenced the registration of Quantity Surveyors in April 1990, thereby formally regulating entry into the profession.

3. Organisational Structure

The QSRBN operates through a structured governance and administrative framework:

  • The President of the Board serves as the head of the institution and provides strategic leadership.
  • The Vice-President supports the President in policy and administrative functions.
  • The Registrar, who is also the Secretary to the Board and its committees, heads the Secretariat and oversees day-to-day operations.

The Secretariat coordinates critical functions such as registration, accreditation, compliance monitoring, and professional discipline.

4. Leadership of the Board

Presidents of QSRBN

Since its inception, the Board has been led by distinguished professionals who have contributed significantly to its growth:

  1. Emeka Osemenam (Nov. 1989 – June 1997)
  2. A. M. Kawu (June 1997 – Nov. 2006)
  3. S. E. Emiowele (Nov. 2006 – Sept. 2010)
  4. Husaini A. Dikko (Sept. 2010 – June 2016)
  5. Murtala M. Aliyu (June 2017 – Sept. 2023)
  6. Obafemi O. Onashile (March 2024 – Date)

Each administration has played a role in strengthening regulation, expanding professional recognition, and enhancing the Board’s institutional capacity.

5. Registrars of the Board

The administrative continuity and operational effectiveness of the Board have been sustained by its Registrars:

  1. Kofo Popoola (Dec. 1989 – Dec. 1992)
  2. G. O. Jagboro (Oct. 1995 – Nov. 1998)
  3. U. D. Madaki (Aug. 2000 – Nov. 2006)
  4. S. O. Oyediran (Nov. 2006 – Sept. 2010)
  5. Godson O. Moneke (Sept. 2010 – July 2018)
  6. Musa M. Mshalgaya (July 2018 – April 2019)
  7. Abdullahi U. Alkali (May 2019 – February 2026)
  8. Kulomri J. Adogbo (February 2026 – Date)

These Registrars have overseen key reforms in administration, registration processes, and institutional strengthening

6. Core Functions and Evolution

a. Registration of Quantity Surveyors

From April 1990, the Board began maintaining a Register of Quantity Surveyors, ensuring that only qualified individuals are licensed to practice. This has enhanced professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

b. Accreditation of Academic Programmes

One of the Board’s most critical functions is the accreditation of Quantity Surveying programmes in Nigerian higher institutions.
In line with its statutory mandate, the Board:

  • Approves courses, institutions, and qualifications;
  • Conducts periodic accreditation visits;
  • Ensures compliance with minimum academic and professional standards.

Over time, this function has contributed significantly to standardising Quantity Surveying education across universities and polytechnics in Nigeria.

c. Professional Regulation and Discipline

The Board regulates professional conduct through:

  • Codes of ethics;
  • Investigation of professional misconduct;
  • Disciplinary measures where necessary.
d. Capacity Development and Professional Growth

Through collaboration with stakeholders and continuous improvement initiatives, QSRBN has supported:

  • Professional examinations;
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD);
  • International recognition of Nigerian Quantity Surveyors.

7. Administrative Structure and Management

The effectiveness of the Secretariat is supported by key management personnel:

  • Shode Ahmed – Head of Administration
  • Adejoh Daikwo – Head of Accounts
  • Obisanya A. Bolanle – Head of Internal Audit
  • Busari Akeem – Head of ICT

These units provide administrative, financial, audit, and technological support necessary for the Board’s operations.

8. Growth and Institutional Impact

Since its inception, QSRBN has evolved from a newly established regulatory body into a central authority in the Nigerian construction industry. Its impact includes:

  • Establishing uniform educational standards nationwide;
  • Enhancing the credibility and recognition of the profession;
  • Promoting ethical practice and accountability;
  • Supporting the development of the built environment through competent cost management professionals.

9. Conclusion

The history of the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria reflects a steady progression toward professionalism, regulation, and institutional maturity. From its legal establishment in 1986 to its active role today, the Board has remained central to the development and sustenance of Quantity Surveying practice in Nigeria.

With evolving challenges in the construction industry and higher education, the QSRBN continues to adapt—strengthening accreditation systems, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering the next generation of Quantity Surveyors.