Scholarship / chevening relationship building and Shared learning [3]

Building a strong and meaningful network has opened up various opportunities and expanded my knowledge, while also enhancing my empathy towards others. Understanding people's backgrounds and actively listening have helped me develop new relationships and maintain existing ones on both personal and professional levels.
In 2021, I began my journey in quantity surveying as an intern while studying at university. I was advised to join the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveying (NIQS) as a probationary member. This organization is responsible for registering and regulating the profession of quantity surveying and preparing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs. NIQS organizes workshops that allow quantity surveyors to share knowledge and connect with stakeholders in the construction industry. Through these CPDs, I built connections and joined various quantity surveying learning platforms, where I met the founder of ADLM Studio. ADLM Studio, a construction technology company in Nigeria, teaches quantity surveyors how to utilize Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools. As a probationary member of NIQS, I registered for a course where I learned to take building measurements using BIM software like Planswift, advancing away from traditional methods with paper and scale rules. My initial experience with the software was challenging since I was still familiarizing myself with its interface. However, I stayed in constant contact with the resource person to learn about other BIM tools. Participating in workshops organized by NIQS significantly impacted my career, helping me build a robust network and gain valuable insights.
I believe that treating others as you wish to be treated is the best approach to cultivating solid and lasting relationships. Recently, I worked as an assistant lecturer at a polytechnic in Nigeria, where disrespect is a common issue for young lecturers since students often see us as equals in age. My first day in class was anxiety-inducing, but I focused on giving my best. I aimed to build good relationships with my students by respecting and welcoming their opinions. While I faced challenges with the lower-level classes, my approach ultimately paid off, and I became one of their favorite lecturers.
The relationships I have built, the knowledge I have gained, and the lessons I have learned throughout my journey have shaped my professional path. I am eager to continue this journey with the Chevening community, where I can learn, share, and grow alongside fellow professionals. My commitment to treating others with respect and understanding will guide me as I strive to make meaningful contributions both within the community and back in Nigeria.
I am convinced that the Chevening community would be an ideal platform for sharing and connecting with diverse individuals. Through this community, I hope to learn more about my profession and gain insights into how others operate in their countries, allowing me to take good ideas back home. I look forward to sharing my experiences and accomplishments as a quantity surveyor and influencing others in the community.

Scholarship / It's not about authority - chevening leadership and influencing skill [2]

Leadership is not about authority; it's about influence. It involves inspiring others to take action, innovate, and strive for excellence. As a passionate individual, I have developed my leadership skills to make a meaningful impact in my community, and I am committed to continuing this journey.
My leadership path began early when I served as Head Boy in elementary school. In this role, I led morning assemblies and monitored daily student activities. This experience laid the groundwork for my future leadership endeavors, teaching me valuable skills in communication, public speaking, team management, delegation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
During my college years, I witnessed the power of influence firsthand. Amid a prolonged school strike, our institution welcomed new students who were expected to join our class just before the first exam. Many felt overwhelmed and considered giving up their admission. This prompted a group of six settled students, including myself, to form a support group to address the challenges faced by these new students. They struggled with registration, regulations, and academic pressure, which left them little time to adjust before the exam. We divided our team into two groups: one focused on Registration and Regulatory Support, and the other on Academic Tutoring and Guidance. I led tutorials for several courses, shared lecture notes, and advised on relevant study materials. Our team worked tirelessly to instill confidence and a sense of belonging among the new students. This experience greatly contributed to my personal development and reinforced my belief that effective leadership is about empowering those around you.
Leadership is a dynamic and evolving process that requires adaptability, resilience, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Another significant experience was as the general secretary of the "Olode Progressive Youth" group, which was formed to address long-standing electricity supply issues in our community. As an engaged youth, I took the initiative to help uncover the root of the problem and provide solutions. After forming the group, we held meetings to brainstorm ideas. Our first step was to visit the authorities responsible for electricity supply in the community. Through discussions, we discovered that the community's electricity had been on hold due to unpaid charges, which many residents didn't know about. Most community members believed they owed no fees, and this revelation was eye-opening. We decided to raise awareness about the issue within the community. Our group investigated further and found that payments were not reported directly to the head office, leading to ongoing blackouts. After sharing our findings, we learned that the authorities would address the issue internally. Sadly, we remained without power for another year. In response, we sought electricity from a different company. The community rallied together, willing to contribute to this solution. We opened a community bank to assist with financing this initiative, which allowed us to purchase necessary materials from the new electricity company. Being part of this group has been an invaluable experience, and I look forward to achieving our goals. Helping the community where I was born and raised has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my leadership journey.
I have demonstrated leadership and influencing skills in both my personal and professional life, positioning me as a potential future leader and influencer.