National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Funmi Ojo
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has proposed the implementation of a mandatory residency programme for engineering graduates before they participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of engineering practices in Nigeria and improve graduates’ employability.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar outlined the plan for the Engineering Residency Programme (EREP), a one-year post-graduation training initiative for all engineering graduates from accredited universities and polytechnics.
The programme is designed to provide practical experience necessary for registration with COREN as a professional engineer or engineering technologist.
Abubakar stressed the importance of this residency programme in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience.
He explained that the EREP would equip graduates with the skills and competencies required to excel in the engineering field.
COREN has secured the support of several key organisations for this initiative, including the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN).
These partnerships are expected to facilitate the smooth implementation of the programme.
The proposed residency programme will be funded by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and will operate in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
This is to ensure that the programme’s structure aligns with the standards set by COREN and other regulatory bodies.
Abubakar also announced the creation of a new register for engineering artisans, a move aimed at formalising and regulating the sector.
COREN is collaborating with the National Skill Council (NSC) to develop the Sector Skill Council for Engineering (SSC4E).
The SSC4E will be responsible for the training, certification, and licensing of artisans within the engineering sector in Nigeria, further professionalising the industry.
The proposed residency programme and the establishment of the SSC4E represent significant steps towards improving the standards and quality of engineering practice in Nigeria.
These initiatives are expected to not only enhance the skills of engineering graduates but also ensure that the country’s engineering sector is adequately equipped to meet global standards
