The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has teamed up with ITB Nigeria Ltd., a prominent civil engineering and construction firm, to enhance engineering practice and provide opportunities for young engineers across the country.
During a recent visit to ITB’s head office in Lagos, Professor Sadiq Abubakar, President of COREN (represented by Vice President Mr. Olaolu Ogunduyile), highlighted that this partnership will unlock vital training and internship opportunities for Nigeria’s aspiring engineering talent.
Equipping Engineers for Global Competitiveness
Professor Abubakar emphasized the critical need for practical experience and hands-on skills in engineering.
He explained that COREN, a statutory body tasked with regulating engineering in Nigeria, is deeply committed to empowering Nigerian engineers to compete effectively on a global scale.
He noted COREN’s provisional membership in the Washington Accord, an international agreement that recognizes the equivalence of engineering education and professional competence worldwide.
“We need collaboration because we cannot achieve this alone,” Abubakar stated, referring to the impressive facilities at ITB.
“We need training opportunities for younger engineers. We believe your efforts will have a significant impact on the nation.”
He drew parallels with India, which generates an estimated $44 trillion annually through the global mobility of its engineers and technologists, thereby reducing pressure on foreign exchange.
“If we develop our engineers here in Nigeria, it will create similar mobility,” he explained.
“Even when engineers travel abroad, which cannot be prevented, they will be able to practice their profession effectively wherever they go.”
Broadening Regulatory Scope and Combating Malpractice
Abubakar reiterated COREN’s mandate to regulate all facets of engineering practice and education in Nigeria. The council is actively pursuing multiple roadmaps to ensure Nigerian engineers are globally competitive.
He stressed COREN’s commitment to eliminating critical issues like building collapses by enforcing strict regulations across all engineering fields. “COREN is not focusing only on the building sector,” he clarified, “but also on mining, maritime, power, telecoms, and eleven other sectors where engineering practice is critical.” This broad approach underscores the council’s dedication to robust oversight across the entire spectrum of engineering.
ITB’s Commitment to Skill Development
ITB Nigeria Ltd.’s management expressed their appreciation for COREN’s visit and efforts in promoting engineering excellence. Mr. Ramzi Chidiac, Managing Director of ITB Nigeria Ltd., led the company’s delegation and pledged strong collaboration with COREN on engineering training and certification.
Chidiac affirmed ITB’s commitment to registering its engineers with COREN, noting that over 40 engineers are already registered. He also revealed an exciting plan: ITB intends to establish a dedicated training school for young engineers and artisans.
This proposed school aims to equip students with practical skills in essential areas such as carpentry, welding, and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) work. Upon completion, graduates will receive certification and could potentially be absorbed into ITB’s workforce or other industries.
This initiative, Chidiac highlighted, aligns perfectly with the Federal Government’s national skill framework, which champions outcome-based education and certification for both artisans and young people without formal education.
Both COREN and ITB Nigeria Ltd. have committed to working together to ensure the success of this initiative, with potential involvement from relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders. This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s engineering workforce and elevating professional standards nationwide. (NAN)