The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has called for the reintroduction of a compulsory residency programme for engineering graduates before they embark on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The COREN president, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, announced this initiative during a news conference on Wednesday, ahead of the 32nd COREN Engineering Assembly scheduled for August 5th to 7th in Abuja.
Prof. Abubakar explained that the proposed residency programme aims to enhance engineering practices in Nigeria and increase the employability of engineering graduates. He emphasised that COREN, established as a statutory body, is mandated to regulate and control engineering education, training, and practice across Nigeria. Part of this mandate involves ensuring quality assurance in training institutions through the accreditation of engineering programmes.
“The National Universities Commission (NUC) and COREN have agreed to commence joint accreditation of engineering programmes in universities,” Prof. Abubakar noted. This approach mirrors the existing partnership between the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and COREN for accrediting polytechnics and mono-technics. He added that COREN, aiming to meet global standards set by the Sydney and Dublin Accords under the International Engineering Alliance (IEA), will begin accrediting technical colleges in Nigeria in the upcoming academic session.
The Council has also approved the revival of the Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE), rebranded as the Engineering Residency Programme (EREP), in line with the current administration’s goals. Prof. Abubakar mentioned that COREN plans to engage the National Assembly to secure legislative backing for funding the programme through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
“This is a one-year post-graduation training programme for all engineering graduates from accredited universities or polytechnics. It is designed to meet the practical experience requirements for registration with COREN as a professional engineer or an engineering technologist, similar to practices in the medical field and other professions,” he explained.
COREN has garnered support for this initiative from key organisations, including the NUC, NBTE, the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Abubakar stated that COREN ensures all qualified engineering practitioners, including technologists, technicians, and craftsmen, are certified through the Council’s registration process before being licensed to practice in Nigeria. This certification is crucial, as only registered practitioners are authorised to lead engineering departments and supervise engineering projects.
COREN has also approved the creation of a new register for engineering artisans, aligning with the National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) framework. This framework provides recognition and advancement opportunities for holders of NSQ levels one to six.
As a member of the National Skill Council (NSC), COREN is tasked with driving the Sector Skill Council for Engineering (SSC4E). Prof. Abubakar disclosed that COREN is working closely with the NBTE and other relevant organisations to inaugurate the SSC4E, which will oversee the training, certification, and licensing of engineering artisans in Nigeria.
“COREN is the awarding body, NBTE is the regulatory body, while the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) will chair the SSC4E, comprising representatives from diverse engineering interest groups, including employers, professional bodies, academia, and the private sector,” Abubakar concluded.
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