REASONS &

CONSEQUENCES OF
UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN
NIGERIA

Effects of underemployment on
QUANTITY SURVEYING
Group 5

Group members
• Peter Grace ITA/2022/49607
• Chukwudi Ifunaya Deborah ITA/2022/49609
• Borode Rachael Omolola ITA/2022/50178
• Echindo Ejiraobari Saate ITA/2022/49200
• Nwafor Sarah ITA/2022/49345
• Obisesan Rosemary Folakemi ITA/2022/49505
• Prince David ibiyeiomie ITA/2022/49920
• Nwoke precious amarachi ITA/2022/49199
 TABLE OF CONTENT
• INTRODUCTION
• MEANING & TYPES OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT
• CAUSES OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT
• DISADVANTAGE & ADVANTAGE OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT
• QUANTITY SURVEYING AS A DISCIPLINE
• WHO IS A QUANTITY SURVEYOR (QS)?
• CHALLENGES OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT ON A QS
• EFFECTS OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA
• POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT
• SUMMARY
• CONCLUSION
• REFERENCE
 INTRODUCTION
Underemployment is one of the reason of developmental challenges facing Nigeria at
the moment. Research has shown that from 2018 there was 8.4% of underemployed
people, but the available report from local and international bodies and the glaring
evidence of underemployment in this decades are clear indication that there was no
time in Nigeria history where underemployment is as serious as now. One cannot
really conclude that the government at one level or the other has not done any thing at
one time to reduce underemployment in Nigeria, for instance current International
statistical guidelines on underemployment , however have not managed to enlarge
their scope beyond visible underemployment reflecting an insufficiency in the volume
of employment of the regulation concerning statistics of the economically active
population, employment and unemployment.
Underemployment according to ILO, is among the threat to social
stability in many countries ( including Nigeria ), putting the global
rate at 12.6 %(2012) when compared with the counterpart in the
continent, Nigeria’s underemployment crisis is kind of serious for
instance South Africa underemployment rate is standing at 25.2%
and in Ghana is about 14% in 2010, while in Nigeria is around 37
percent recent statistics has put underemployment at 22.6%.
Underemployment in Nigeria is quite a quite a serious one has it
has cause poverty and in some case it also affect the victim
mental health and bring problem in the family and society
therefore the objective of this research is to know the cause ,
consequences of underemployment, the advantage and
disadvantage of underemployment , possible solution to
underemployment, the causes and how underemployment affect
quantity surveying the most.
 MEANING & TYPES OF
UNDEREMPLOYMENT
WHAT IS UNDEREMPLOYMENT: Underemployment
occurs when a person does not work full time or take a job
that does not reflect their actual training and financial needs
that is, their job does not use all their skills and education
levels or provides less than full time work. This is not the
same as unemployment, which refer to people who are not
currently employed at all.
There are two (2) types of underemployment that can
happen in a society.
They are:
 INVISIBLE UNDEREMPLOYMENT:

This is when workers in full time jobs do not

use all their skills.This type of
underemployment is almost impossible to
measure. It require extensive surveying that
compares worker’s skill to job requirements,
the workers often don't even realise their skills
could be better used elsewhere .
 VISIBLE UNDEREMPLOYMENT:
This is when the worker is working fewer hours than
his or her typical hours in their field. they possess the
skill to work in a full time position but are unable to find
regular employment .they usually work part time jobs
to make ends meet.
In addition a third types of underemployment exist,
which is called marginally attached to the labor force.
This include people who have looked for employment
in the past year, who would like to work and are
available for work but are somehow discouraged
workers or those who have given up looking for
employment altogether because of their prolonged
inability to find works.
 CAUSES OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT
The rate of underemployment
continues to soar around the world.
What is underemployment with
regard to its causes? Many factors
contribute to this problem. The most
common causes include;
• Skills and Job Vacancy Mismatch
Amongst Graduate:
The current education system in both
developed and developing economies
produces graduates with skills that do not
align with the demands of modern job
markets. Demand for traditional skills has
decreased, yet the education system has
not evolved to accommodate new skills
and trends. As a result, many graduates
have no alternative but to take up jobs
below their skill and education level.
• Unqualified Graduates:
Despite the proliferation of high
education institutions that produce
thousands of graduates every year,
most lack the quality, skills, and
expertise to handle available jobs. Many
graduates have minimal job experience
and do not meet the basic requirements
of the job market. Moreover, most of
these graduates lack the opportunity to
prove themselves on the job and, as a
result, end up seeking employment in
unrelated fields.
• An Outdated School Curriculum:
One of the main causes of
underemployment is an outdated-school
curriculum that is slow to adopt emerging
technologies and career trends. In many
cases, schools offer obsolete subjects,
depriving graduates of the opportunity to
keep up with evolving career trends. It
explains why many companies no longer
consider college degrees necessary for
employment.
• The Poverty Cycle:
Poverty directly contributes to both
underemployment and unemployment.
Due to poverty, households cannot afford
quality education for their children.
Without a strong educational background,
skilled, full-time employment prospects
are low. This cycle continues with the next
generations.
• Population Growth: Recent data
estimates that the global population is
growing exponentially. This growth rate
is predicted to increase in the coming
years. Unfortunately, the rate at which
the world population is increasing far
exceeds the pace of job creation. As
such, existing job markets cannot keep
up with the supply of graduates and
individuals willing and able to work,
resulting in unequal supply and
demand for workers. Many people find
themselves either unemployed or stuck
in jobs that do not match their
education and skill level.
• Technology Changes:
Technological advancements are
pushing many people out of
employment. Computers and AI
machines are rapidly replacing
professions such as cashiers, bank
tellers, drivers, security guards,
camera-men, constructors, surgeons,
and many more. Due to automation,
many professionals find no alternative
but to seek employment in low-skill and
low-paying jobs, resulting in
underemployment.
• Business Cycle:
Another contributor to underemployment
is business cycles that affect demand and
supply. During economic recessions,
many companies cannot afford to hire full-
time workers. As such, many qualified and
skilled people find themselves in part-time
seasonal employment. Layoffs also
contribute to underemployment.
 ADVANTAGE OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT

• It allows the employed to choose their working hours, their working

environment and – often – their boss. It also enables them to build up
a broader bank of experience than they might get by working for the
same employer on a permanent
 DISADVANTAGES OF
UNDEREMPLOYMENT

1. Underemployment can lead to loss 2. Underemployment can cause poor

of basic employment rights, such as
paid holidays, sick leave, health
insurance, etc. On top of that, roles
can be poorly paid. It has become
controversial because it is seen as a
way to exploit vulnerable people,
particularly individuals in low-paid,
low-skilled roles.
mental health. The stress and anxiety are
a result of not being able to make ends
meet, which creates a sense of
inadequacy. Relationships with a partner
can also suffer as a result of
underemployment. Underemployment
can seriously affect an individual's mental
and emotional health.
 QUANTITY SURVEYING AS A DISCIPLINE

According to Henry Cooper QUANTITY SURVEYOR was established as early as

1785. Its first recorded usage of the term was "quantity surveyor" in 1859, the terms
"measurer", "custom surveyor" or "surveyor" were used. In those early days, the
quantity surveyor acted for the master tradesmen, measuring the work after
completion and frequently submitting partisan final accounts to the building owner. As
a direct result of these activities, it increasingly became the practice of building
owners to have work executed under contract and to call for tenders before any work
was undertaken. A procedure, therefore developed whereby building owners would
approach an architect to design a building. Drawings and specifications were
distributed to selected master builders, who would then submit tenders for the total
price rather than a collection of prices from master tradesmen.
 The task of arriving at an accurate estimate of cost or tender can be carried out in
only one way - that of measuring the quantities of all materials and labor necessary
to complete the work, i.e. preparing bills or emerged in England at the beginning of
the nineteenth century, although the firm of quantities. The quantity surveyor are
called by so many names all over the world such as cost engineers, building
economists, cost managers, construction accountants, etc.
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (2004) defined quantity surveyor as an
expert professionally trained and experienced in dealing with construction costs,
construction management, and construction communication. He exhibits in various types
of projects including building construction, civil and structural engineering, mechanical
building and engineering services, petrochemicals, mineral extraction, cost and
production engineering, environmental economics, planning and urban development,
landscaping, interior design, and all other relevant areas.
The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (2004) defined
quantity surveyor as an expert professionally trained and
experienced in dealing with construction costs, construction
management, and construction communication. He exhibits in
various types of projects including building construction, civil
and structural engineering, mechanical building and engineering
services, petrochemicals, mineral extraction, cost and
production engineering, environmental economics, planning
and urban development, landscaping, interior design, and all
other relevant areas.
The problem lies neither in the cost nor communication but in
the management of construction projects since roper and
effective overall management entails every other function i.e.
cost and communication.
 WHO IS A QUANTITY SURVEYOR (QS)
A QUANTITY SURVEYOR (QS) is a construction industry professional with
expert knowledge on construction costs and contracts. Qualified
professional quantity surveyors are known as Chartered Surveyors
(Members and Fellows of RICS) in the UK and Certified Quantity Surveyors
(a designation of AIQS) in Australia and other countries. In some countries
such as Canada, South Africa, Kenya and Mauritius, qualified quantity
surveyors are known as Professional Quantity Surveyors, a title protected by
law.Quantity surveyors are responsible for managing all aspects of the
contractual and financial side of construction projects. They help to ensure
that the construction project is completed within its projected budget.
Quantity surveyors are also hired by contractors to help with the valuation of
construction work for the contractor, help with bidding and project budgeting,
and the submission of bills to the client.
 CHALLENGES OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT ON A QS
The Nigerian Society, although fairly • Lack of specialist in Quantity Surveying
enlightened, is still limited in the practice with respect to various fields in
awareness of the duties of the Quantity the construction industry such as:
Surveyor as enumerated above. In other Building Services; Oil & Gas industry;
words, the level of the country’s Engineering Works; Project, Programme
technological development and and Facility Management; Public Private
awareness determines the Nigerian Partnership; Risk Management; etc.
Quantity Surveyors’ level of
development.This is quite low at the
moment. There is insufficient ICT
Knowledge and skill on its use to
facilitate work processes, search for
information and the creation of adequate
• Lack of professional proficiencies and
exposure; Lack of general awareness of the
roles of Quantity Surveyor in the
Construction industry; Need to adequately
enforce regulations and control of quantity
surveying practice; Inability to meet with
project time frame; Higher clients
Requirements through increasing
complexity of modern construction projects;
Unhealthy competitions from other
Professionals; Poor remunerations;
Compliance with complex and stringent
standards of Professional Practice; Keeping
abreast of the dynamic and changing
environment of practice and coping with
stringent legislations.
• The government, being the largest employer
of the services of the Quantity Surveyors at the
moment, reflects the attitude of the Nigerian
Society. This to a large extent has determined
the attitude of the Nigerian Society to the
duties of the Quantity Surveyor and the
practice of the profession in Nigeria. Also it
determines the extent to which the use of the
services and advice of the Quantity Surveyor is
put in the formulation of the annual budgeting
exercise by government. It has been a habit by
the Government to approve projects and
release warrants for capital grants allocations,
even without cash backing. As a result, the
performances of these projects are not assured.
 EFFECTS OF UNDEREMPLOYMENT
1. Poverty levels: When a person is forced to take up jobs that do not match their skills, they
typically receive an income that is below their pay grade. With inadequate income, families do
not consume as many goods and services as before. The reduction in demand leads to slow
business growth, pushing the economy toward a recession or depression due to low 
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and little to no job growth. Many families who previously
enjoyed a comfortable standard of living begin to struggle financially.
2. Structural unemployment: With underemployment, workers who no longer work in their
chosen field lack the ability to update their skills with on-the-job training. Some people acquire
skills in different industries while others drop out of the workforce altogether. This
phenomenon is commonly known as structural unemployment.

3. Psychological problems: Underemployment can cause poor mental health. The stress and
anxiety are a result of not being able to make ends meet, which creates a sense of inadequacy.
Relationships with a partner can also suffer as a result of underemployment.
Underemployment can seriously affect an individual’s mental and emotional health.
 POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS OF
UNDEREMPLOYMENT

• Connect With Your Industry

• Get out: Network as much as possible. The best way to find a job that uses your skills
is to network with people who already have those jobs. Get involved in industry
organizations and associations and pay attention to which certifications others are
getting in your field. Even if it isn’t financially feasible to pursue that training right now, it
will help to know what your peers are doing.
• Stay out: Contribute to the industry conversation. Build your credibility and expertise by
writing articles, whitepapers or books. Employers will seek to validate your abilities.
Putting your work in front of an expert who gives positive feedback (especially in public)
provides leverage.
• Invest In Mentorship:
• Get out: Conduct informational interviews. Arrange informational interviews with
professionals who are in jobs or industries you aspire to pursue. In these interviews,
you can ask them how they got into the industry. Their answers will provide the tools
you need to break through. Not only will you acquire career intel, you’ll also develop
essential strategic relationships.
• Stay out: Be a mentor to others. Being generous with your resources and
knowledge will frame you as a mentor. Everyone loves helpful people who
demonstrate gratitude and who are first to raise their hand to serve.
• Keep Learning:
• Get out: Get the certifications or degree required. For many professionals, a
certification is more financially attractive than a college degree. Over time, bachelor’s
and master’s degrees may provide even more career advancement options and salary
possibilities.
• Stay out: Pursue lifelong learning. To shift your career toward your interests, dedicate
yourself to lifelong learning. Technology makes it easy to learn new skills from
anywhere. Continuously upgrading your skills will also make your career advancement
seamless, because it will foster awareness of career-impacting trends.
• Build Your Personal Brand:
• Get out: Develop consistent personal branding.Today’s job search requires you to
show — not just tell — hiring managers what you can do. Employers are likely to
Google you early in the hiring process. Without proof of your skills, or a reputation of
good work, you’ll disqualify yourself.
• Stay out: Create a digital footprint and a referral engine for future employers to find
you.Job searching in 2020 and beyond requires a digital portfolio of your work. It’s how
employers will find and hire you. Having an online portfolio will help you demonstrate
your expertise and personal brand, which will make you memorable to employers.
• Truimph Over Adversity:
• Get out: Hone your skills like Navy SEALS. SEALS must demonstrate novel and
adaptive thinking as part of their training. They are trained to find solutions to
unscripted conditions in unpredictable situations. Although you will likely never
experience similarly adverse conditions, you will still be expected to adapt and not
depend on a scripted outcome.
• Stay out: Demonstrate mastery over time. Most people would be surprised to learn that
Martin Luther King Jr. received a “C” grade in public speaking in seminary school.
Later, his speeches would inspire millions to pursue equality and justice. Dr. King is
proof that mastery is rooted in hard work. His work can inspire us to ask ourselves if we
can display perseverance in the presence of adversity.
 SUMMARY
Underemployment is a measure of employment and labor utilization in the economy that
looks at how well the labor force is being used in terms of skills, experience, and availability to
work. It refers to a situation in which individuals are forced to work in low-paying or low-skill
jobs. Visible underemployment and invisible underemployment are types of
underemployment. Underemployment can be caused by a variety of factors, from economic
recessions to business cycles.
Underemployment is divided into three common categories, as follows: skilled
workers in low-income jobs, skilled workers in jobs that don’t fully utilize their skills,
part-time workers who would rather work full-time. Causes of underemployment
can be as result of business cycle, technological change etc. Some effects are
increase in poverty level, structural unemployment and psychological problems. This
can be solved by building your personal brand, connect with your industry, keep
learning etc.
 CONCLUSION
Underemployment is an economic inefficiency stemming from the failure to fully utilize
the labor of the employed persons, According to the ILO (1998). It implications on
individual are numerous and not only on individual but also on society and it's economy
and we has seen how it affected the quantity surveyor as a discipline. It is now expected
of the government to do something to stop underemployment not only the government
but we as nation we can look at it from our small. Side and see to it that
underemployment should stop.
Employment is the primary source of income for a person and hence, it is the source
of economic growth. It is considered a lagging economic indicator. High
underemployment suggests a low GDP and low demand for labor.
 REFERENCE

• https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com
• www.thebalance.com
• https://www.investopedia.com
• www.tutor2u.com
• www.icaew.com
• www.britannica.com
• https://study.com