Home News COREN Launches Engineering Residency Programme

COREN Launches Engineering Residency Programme

...seeks legislative backing 

by Our Reporter
By Daniel Adaji
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has announced plans to seek legislative backing for its newly resuscitated Engineering Residency Programme (ERP), a national scheme aimed at improving the quality of engineering graduates and reducing infrastructure failure across Nigeria.
The President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, made the disclosure during a press briefing on the upcoming 33rd COREN Engineering Assembly scheduled for July 14–16, 2025, in Abuja.
“In response to the goals of the current FGN Administration, the Council approved the resuscitation of Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE) under a new name of Engineering Residency Programme (ERP) and planned to engage the National Assembly to seek legislative backing for its sustainable funding in line with the existing COREN law,” Abubakar stated.
He noted that the ERP would ensure practical experience and mentorship for engineering graduates, bridging the gap between academic training and fieldwork. A Task Force on ERP, composed of key institutions such as NUC, NBTE, ITF, MAN, NSE, and NATE, will be inaugurated during the Assembly.
To support this initiative and other reforms, Abubakar said COREN would submit a proposal to the National Assembly to amend the Engineers (Registration, etc.) (Amendment) Act No. 3, 2018. “The implementation of ERP, admission quota, insurance of buildings, compensation to victims of infrastructure failure, punishment of persons found culpable, etc., are key target areas,” he added.
He also disclosed that COREN is collaborating with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to ensure admission into engineering and technology programmes in line with global benchmarks. Similarly, plans are underway with NBTE to accredit technical colleges in line with international accords such as the Washington, Sydney, and Dublin Accords.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, COREN has commenced registration and licensing of engineering artisans under the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
According to Abubakar, “The new NSQ levels 1–6… have given the required recognition and backing to the holders of the NSQ levels to progress in their cadre without any hitch.”
To promote professionalism, COREN has also finalized arrangements with associations under the Engineering Family Executive Council (EFEC) to enforce mandatory continuing professional development units (CPDUs) for license renewal.
The 33rd Engineering Assembly, themed “Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria: Professionalism, Compliance and Remunerations,” will feature former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as keynote speaker. Senator Iyiola Omisore, engineers from government and industry, and academia will lead panel discussions on remuneration and regulatory issues.
COREN reiterated its commitment to promoting professionalism, ensuring infrastructure safety, and upholding global standards.
Abubakar urged the media and public to support its mandate. “A nation is only as developed and respected as the quality of its engineering practitioners and infrastructure,” he said.

You may also like