Knight Frank Steps-up CSR, Empowers Graduates

Indigenous real-estate company, Knight Frank Nigeria has solidified its efforts at bridging skills-gap in the real estate sector just as its floated a learning hub in Lagos. 

 The organisation stated that the move was necessary to promote professionalism in built environment and part of its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) commitments. 

Speaking at the launch of the academy, Senior Partner/CEO of the company, Frank Okosun expressed worries at the level of knowledge deficit among personnel, especially fresh graduate seeking a career in real estate.

He explained that the academy would address knowledge gap and develop talents that would give appreciable values to investors. 

“This is one of the ways we are returning value to the society by helping to bridge the gap between the competency level of fresh graduates and what is required of entry-level professionals by leading estate surveyors and valuer firms.

“Upon graduation, it is expected that the beneficiaries will be a ready-to-hire candidates for any leading stakeholder in the industry. 

They will also be better equipped to pursue professional certifications and membership of institutions like NIESV, FIABCI, IFMA, and RICS.”

Okosun disclosed that the academy boasts seasoned professionals and accomplished thought leaders who will do justice to its curriculum, adding that plans are ongoing to extend session to more than once in a year. 

Also speaking, Head, Human Resources and Administration of the company, Tosin Lasaki added that the hub aimed to create a talent pipeline for Knight Frank and other collaborating real estate consultancy firms to bridge the talent gap created by the Japa syndrome. 

“The modules have been well-refined and curated in collaboration with professionals within Knight Frank and specifically, Dr Beryl Ehondo , an alumni of the PAN Atlantic University Faculty who is director in the academy. The modules are presented in case study method for them to be rich, more realistic and easily applied in the world of work”, she stated.