The Estate Management Students’ Association (EMSA), Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos (UNILAG), organised a Career Development Workshop on February 4, 2026 to equip students with practical digital branding and career development skills relevant to the real estate profession. The workshop, themed: Pathway to Becoming a Professional: Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth in Real Estate, was held at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Auditorium, UNILAG, Akoka.
Welcoming participants, the Head of the Department of Estate Management, Prof. Hikmot Adunola Koleoso noted that “the evolving real estate industry requires graduates to combine technical competence with strong digital and professional communication skills”. She described LinkedIn as a critical platform for professional visibility, networking, and innovation, adding that the workshop aligned with the department’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates.
Delivering the keynote address, ESV Akin Opatola, Principal Partner at Olawale Jordan and President of FIABCI Nigeria, highlighted the importance of building a strong professional online presence. He emphasised LinkedIn as a strategic tool for personal branding and networking, advising students to engage early, post consistently, seek mentorship, and maintain professional conduct on the platform.
Also speaking at the event, ESV Ayodeji Odeleye, Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Lagos Branch, pointed out ways LinkedIn can be leveraged for job opportunities and access to industry insights. He shared practical tips on profile optimisation, authenticity, responsiveness, and effective professional communication.
A practical session was facilitated by a final-year Estate Management student, Matthew Oshatuyi, who demonstrated techniques for optimising LinkedIn profiles and engaging meaningfully with industry professionals.
The workshop concluded with a panel session featuring Prof. …(first name) Koleoso, ESV … (first name) Opatola, ESV Odeleye, and ESV Ajibade Adewale, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dewale Consulting. Panellists underscored the importance of maintaining an active and professional LinkedIn presence, following industry leaders, and sharing accurate and positive content online.
The event was attended by the Staff Adviser of the Department of Estate Management, Dr. Uyi Osagie, alongside other academic and professional stakeholders.
Report: Oluwatoyin Ojo-Alo
Photograph: Islamiat Akanni
