Ini Billie, Uyo
Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has said a one-year compulsory residency programme and oath-taking ceremony for engineering graduates across the country would soon begin.
Registrar of COREN, Prof. Ademola Adisa said the new practice was due to globalization and emerging technologies in engineering, making it necessary for engineering faculties to groom professionals that would meet the requirements of local employers and international job markets in the engineering and technology sectors.
Speaking on Tuesday in Uyo during a 3-day regional train-the-trainer workshop for Implementation of Outcome-Based Education in Engineering programmes in Nigerian Universities, Adisa said after 52 years of existence, COREN is faced with realities that necessitate a change in the paradigm of the Nigerian engineering education system.
He stated that the expansion of engineering programmes at various engineering faculties has made it necessary for COREN to strengthen its accreditation system, noting that modalities for the implementation of NUC-COREN joint accreditation of engineering programmes are underway.
He mentioned that henceforth, the renewal of the annual practising license would be earned through different training and certification areas deployed by COREN.
“With the current restructuring of COREN and expanding of activities covered in its mandates, we are bringing back SITSIE by institutionalizing a 1-year mandatory Engineering Residency, which all engineering graduates must embark on for more practical and industry exposure, upon graduation.
“It is therefore very important and mandatory that your Faculty of Engineering submits to COREN its yearly list/database of engineering students across all levels for Indexing.
“Oath-Taking of engineering graduates by COREN will commence shortly as well,” he said.
Engineering Practitioners are expected to earn mandatory CPD points/units as a pre-requisite for the renewal of their COREN annual practising license.
“Points can be earned through different training & certification areas deployed by COREN, the annual COREN Engineering Assembly, etc.
“I would also want to use this medium to bring to your notice that COREN is presently working out modalities for the implementation of NUC-COREN joint accreditation of engineering programmes going forward.
“Based on identified gaps in Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Proficiencies, COREN has identified the following needs/areas to train, certify, equip, empower and engage all interested Engineering Practitioners to carry out COREN regulatory activities in the 10 identified engineering sectors (Oil & Gas, Oil & Gas, Mining, Marine, Telecommunication, Power, Manufacturing, Aviation, Agro-Allied, Aviation and Transportation) in all regions/states,” he stated.
While speaking, the Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo described the workshop as a “significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to excellence in engineering education and practice.
“The Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach is a cornerstone in modern educational methodologies, emphasizing the mastery of specific competencies and skills by students.
“It aligns perfectly with the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of engineering, where adaptability, innovation, and practical application are paramount,” he stated.
Ndaeyo who was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Anthonia Essien, stated that the workshop would help enhance the quality of engineering education and produce graduates prepared to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.