by MyEngineers
A popular influencer engineer, Engr. Adeyinka Adewumi Adeboye, popularly known as Woli the Builder, has submitted a proposal to COREN calling for the establishment of a defined scope of practice and professional licensing framework for Engineering Technologists in the country.
In the proposal dated 16 July 2026, Adeboye, which has been l submitted to COREN,Adeboye pointed out that the current professional standing of Engineering Technologists in Nigeria does not offer sufficient identity, clearly defined practice privileges, or an independent career pathway for long term growth.
According to him, this gap has pushed many Engineering Technologists to pursue every available route to become registered Engineers, not because they lack confidence in the Technologist profession, but because the cadre lacks a strong professional structure of its own.
The engineer noted that this trend has fuelled rising demand for various top up programmes, many of which COREN has declined to recognise.
Adeboye argued that rather than encouraging technologists to migrate into another cadre, COREN should focus on strengthening the Engineering Technologist cadre as a distinct and respected professional pathway.
The Proposal
He recommended that COREN introduce a competency based professional licensing framework for Engineering Technologists. Under this arrangement, technologists who meet prescribed academic qualifications, practical experience requirements and professional assessment criteria would be eligible for a COREN issued professional licence and official stamp, authorising them to practise within a clearly defined scope of engineering work.
It further suggests that COREN should determine this scope of practice based on engineering discipline, project complexity, public safety considerations and demonstrated competence, while ensuring that the framework complements rather than competes with the role of registered Engineers.
Adeboye also proposed that COREN could define categories of engineering works that qualified Technologists are authorised to design, supervise, certify or sign off, while more complex and higher risk projects remain reserved for registered Engineers.
Expected Benefits
He listed several anticipated benefits of the framework, including a stronger professional identity for Engineering Technologists, reduced pressure for unrecognised top up programmes, improved harmony among Engineers, Technologists, Technicians and Craftsmen, and an increase in the number of professionals operating within COREN’s regulatory framework.
He also stated that the framework would enhance public confidence by ensuring that every category of engineering practitioner is properly licensed, accountable and regulated.
Not an Attempt to Diminish Engineers’ Role
Adeboye clarified that the idea is not intended to diminish the responsibilities, authority or statutory role of registered Engineers. He described it instead as an effort to strengthen the Nigerian engineering profession by giving every cadre a clearly defined identity and a structured career pathway.
He recommended that COREN set up a stakeholder committee to study the proposal, consult relevant professional bodies and educational institutions, and develop a policy framework for possible implementation.
As at the time of this report, COREN is yet to issue an official response to the proposal.