by Isqil Najim
Reactions have continued to trail the successful conclusion of the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, with engineers across the country describing the gathering as impactful, well organised and a timely platform for addressing critical issues affecting the profession in Nigeria.
The Assembly, which held in Abuja under the theme “Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,” brought together regulators, policymakers, academics and engineering professionals from different parts of the country to deliberate on ways of strengthening engineering practice and protecting public safety.
Bowei Commends COREN and NSE Leadership
Engr. D. M. Bowei, Technical Secretary of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, described the Assembly as a rewarding and enriching experience that offered participants opportunities for learning, professional networking and knowledge sharing.
He commended the leadership of COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers for the quality of the technical sessions, keynote presentations and panel discussions, which he said underscored the vital role of engineering in driving economic growth and sustainable infrastructure development.
He singled out the President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, for what he called visionary leadership in strengthening engineering regulation and promoting professional excellence.
Bowei said his participation in the Assembly had strengthened his resolve to contribute more actively to engineering excellence, ethical practice and public safety, and reaffirmed his commitment to working with fellow professionals to advance the profession through innovation and national development.
Prof. Babalola Endorses COREN Resolutions
The Director, Centre for Facilities Management at Akwa Ibom State University, Engr. Prof. Abdulrasheed Babalola, praised COREN’s organisation and the quality of the technical sessions. He endorsed the far reaching resolutions made at the Assembly and called for their implementation, saying it would go a long way in strengthening engineering and engineers across the country.
Babalola described the landmark resolutions as a bold step towards elevating the engineering profession. Some the resolutions include: mandatory one year residency period for engineering graduates before proceeding to the National Youth Service Corps; the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with engineering firms in Nigeria to accommodate graduates for both the residency period and NYSC; signing of the Washington Accord and the Sydney Accord to enable Nigerian engineers and engineering technologists practice internationally, the introduction of a compulsory Continuous Professional Development Programme for all engineering practitioners as a condition for the annual renewal of their engineering license, and a resolution barring the posting of engineers to non engineering firms during the NYSC.
Abeokuta Branch Chairman, Idowu, Calls for Implementation of Resolutions
Engr. Olumayowa Ayodeji Idowu described the Assembly as a worthwhile experience, noting that it was encouraging to see engineers from different sectors come together to discuss practical issues affecting the profession and its future in Nigeria. He said the conversations and decisions taken at the event showed that the profession was moving in the right direction.
He commended the COREN leadership for the bold steps being taken to improve engineering education, strengthen professional practice and create better opportunities for young engineers, but stressed that the real task now was to ensure the resolutions were implemented effectively so that every engineer could feel their impact.
“My message to fellow engineers is simple: let us continue to invest in ourselves, uphold the ethics of our profession, and support initiatives that will move engineering and our nation forward. The future of our profession depends on the commitment we make today,” he said.
Engr. Osunbade Hails Seamless Organisation
The Founder of Paces of Grace Enterprises, Engr. Adeyinka Akinade Osunbade, described the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly as an outstanding and well organised event. He noted that the registration and conference material collection processes were seamless, the security arrangements commendable, and the programme featured timely and thought provoking themes that addressed key issues shaping the engineering profession.
Beyond the technical sessions, he said the Assembly provided an excellent platform for networking, reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new industry partners and vendors, and fostering collaborations that would contribute to the advancement of engineering practice in Nigeria. He congratulated COREN and the organising committee for delivering a successful event and expressed hope of participating in future editions.
Folarin Urges Engineers to Support Campaign Against Posting NYSC to Non Engineering Firms
Engr. Bello Folarin of NSE Ibadan described his experience at the Assembly as insightful and impactful, noting that it provided an excellent platform for professional engagement, knowledge sharing and discussions on strengthening engineering regulation, public safety and national development. He said the event reinforced the need for continuous collaboration among engineering stakeholders.
Folarin commended the COREN leadership for its unwavering commitment to raising professional standards, strengthening regulatory enforcement and promoting ethical engineering practice. He urged engineers to remain committed to professionalism, integrity, innovation and lifelong learning, saying that by upholding the highest ethical standards and embracing emerging technologies, the profession could continue to deliver sustainable engineering solutions that drive Nigeria’s socio economic development.
He also called on engineers to support the campaign against the posting of engineering graduates to non engineering firms for the purpose of the National Youth Service Corps, urging COREN to help absorb graduating students into engineering firms instead.
Akintola: Sydney, Washington Accords Open Doors for Nigerian Engineers, But Competence Must Follow
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Procurement Engineers, Engr. Akin Akintola, said the COREN Assembly has come of age.
He said that the leadership is striving to make the engineering family a world class one, with the signing of both the Sydney and Washington Accords now allowing technologists and engineers to operate beyond the shores of the country. He however sounded a note of caution, saying Nigerian engineers must be well equipped to be able to compete internationally.
Akintola stressed that Continuing Professional Development is now a must, and that engineers, technologists, technicians and craftsmen should be ready to invest in it themselves rather than waiting for their offices alone to sponsor them.
He urged professionals to see assemblies and conferences as part of their professional development and also as a form of relaxation beyond the office front, and prayed for the leaders of the profession, expressing confidence that the future of engineering in Nigeria is bright.
