By Isqil Najim
The question I have been asked most from Higher National Diploma (HND) holders: “Can an HND certificate be used to apply for NSE and COREN registration?” The simple answer is yes and no. I will explain how to approach this in this article.
First, the general requirements to become an engineer have changed over the years. There was a time you could become an engineer by attending a three-year course in engineering. That time is long gone. Now, the time spent pursuing an engineering degree in Nigeria is five years. This shift reflects the increasing complexity of engineering fields and the need for more in-depth knowledge and practical skills.
For bachelor’s degree holders, the question is straightforward: your degree qualifies you for registration as an engineer, subject to meeting the other requirements. These other requirements typically include a minimum of postgraduate practical experience and passing professional examinations conducted by Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN. But for HND holders from polytechnics, it is not that straightforward.
Previously, you could register as an engineer with an HND by applying for a two-part postgraduate exam conducted by the NSE. This, however, was stopped in the 2000s following some issues arising from the status of the certificate issued. The Society promised to revise it, but that system has been discontinued for good, unless a miracle happens in the future. This change created a significant hurdle for HND holders aspiring to become registered engineers.
The second option is to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in the same course. For example, if you have a National Diploma, (ND) in Mechanical Engineering and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering, you must have a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Mechanical Engineering to qualify. This process is also applicable to the NSE Corporate Membership.
If you obtained an HND and PGD in a chosen engineering course by or before December 2021, you were eligible to register as a Corporate Member with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and as an Engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). This cutoff date is crucial for understanding the current regulations. Those who wish to register with HND at COREN can apply as Registered Technologists.
However, if your certificate is dated after December 2021, and you have an HND, you will need to obtain a master’s degree in the same course, in addition to postgraduate Diploma, also in the same course before you can register with COREN as an engineer. The new requirement, therefore, is HND + PGD + MSc for COREN registration. However, the NSE, at the time of writing, now accepts HND + PGD+ Msc for corporate membership.
For those who can endure it, you can pursue a degree top-up (conversion) at an accredited university after your HND. This will save you a lot of stress in the future. This option provides a more direct path to achieving the qualifications needed for both NSE and COREN registration.
Why the new Shift? The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN has recently become a signatory to the Washington Accord. Part of the requirements to become a part of the global organisation was to address the issue of HND registration as Engineer.
Update: the NSE has now aligned with COREN requirements. Graduates with PGD certificates dating December 2021 or before can register as Corporate Members. Those from 2022 Upwards will need to possess Masters Degree in addition to the PGD in the same course.