Jos, Plateau State — August 28, 2025 | The Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders of Nigeria (Chartered) (IMBLN) has hosted its maiden Practitioners Seminar in Jos, Plateau State, aimed at redefining standards and addressing the challenges facing the nation’s real estate and mortgage industry.
The event, held at Plateau Club 1921, was organized in partnership with Oakland Business School, Jos—IMBLN’s professional training centre—and the International Institute of Professional Corporate Entrepreneurship & Leadership (IIPCEL). Themed “Challenges and Prospects in the Real Estate and Mortgage Industry in Nigeria – A Case Study of Plateau State,” the seminar brought together industry experts, licensed practitioners, and policymakers.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the IMBLN Registrar-General, Dr. Jasper Adeleye, Mr. Godwin E. Urhie, Executive Chairman/CEO of Oakland Business School, described the seminar as a milestone in professionalizing and regulating the real estate and mortgage industry.
“The housing deficit in Nigeria, estimated at 28 million units and still growing, cannot be solved without innovative approaches. IMBLN is ready to work with government agencies to ensure transparency, eliminate quackery, and promote professionalism in the industry,” Urhie said.
He emphasized that the institute’s licensing and training framework will tackle fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing while creating a credible environment for housing finance in Nigeria.
The seminar featured thought-provoking papers from practitioners.
Sunday Bulus Ndaka spoke on “Land and Property Registration as a Catalyst for Mortgage Financing in Jos-Bukuru Metropolis.” He identified access to land documentation and equity contribution requirements as major barriers to affordable housing.
“Many Nigerians hold Certificates of Occupancy but still cannot access mortgage facilities due to stringent requirements such as high equity contributions. This continues to worsen the housing deficit and push rents higher,” Ndaka explained.
On the mortgage sector, Ishaya Adams Dung delivered a paper on “Mortgage Challenges and Prospects: A Case Study of Plateau State.” He highlighted different mortgage types, stressing that mortgage opportunities are not limited to civil servants but open to all Nigerians who meet requirements.
Dung identified lack of awareness, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and slow legal processes as major setbacks discouraging people from accessing mortgage financing.
Stakeholder Participation and Next Steps
Government representatives at the seminar included the representative of Arc. Sylvanus Dongtoe, the Plateau State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, and Saje Joseph Adeh, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Kachollom Pyam Gang.
The event concluded with the presentation of training certificates to licensed practitioners. IMBLN also announced that the second batch of practitioners will commence lectures in September 2025, followed by a formal induction ceremony and award of practice licences and seals.
The institute reaffirmed its vision of raising a new generation of ethical mortgage professionals committed to ensuring affordable housing for Nigerians. Its core values—professionalism, integrity, customer focus, transparency, and accountability—remain central to its mission.
