By ANGELA ATABO

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has approved series of strategic resolutions aimed at strengthening engineering regulation, enhancing professional standards, and positioning Nigerian engineering qualifications for global recognition.

Registrar of COREN, Prof. Okorie Uche, disclosed this on Tuesday at the end of COREN’s 188th Ordinary Council Meeting in the first quarter of 2026, in Abuja.

Uche said COREN took far-reaching decisions aimed at advancing its statutory mandate to regulate and elevate the standards of engineering education, training, and professional practice across Nigeria.

He explained that in line with COREN’s commitment to international mobility and acceptance of Nigerian engineering credentials, the Council approved a landmark international engagement strategy.

“Under this initiative, COREN, in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), will submit applications for Provisional Status under the Sydney Accord and the Dublin Accord, alongside an application for Full Signatory Status under the Washington Accord.

“The applications will be pursued in strict compliance with the requirements of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA), marking a critical step towards global acceptance of Nigerian engineering qualifications.

“To support these international aspirations with robust domestic institutional capacity, the Council approved the establishment of specialised units within the Engineering Education and Accreditation Department.”

According to Uche, the restructuring is designed to ensure effective alignment with the Washington, Sydney, and Dublin Accord frameworks, while strengthening regulatory oversight of engineering and technology education at all levels.

This, he said, was with particular emphasis on improving standards in Technical Colleges.

He added that as part of broader regulatory reforms, the Council endorsed the draft Amendment Bill to the COREN Act.

He said that the proposed amendments were intended to enhance professionalism, public safety, and accountability within the engineering sector.

He noted key provisions to include the expansion of Engineering Regulation and Monitoring Enforcement (ERME) to cover multiple sectors of the national economy and the introduction of mandatory insurance for infrastructure projects.

Uche said this was to ensure compensation in cases of injury or death resulting from infrastructure failure.

He added that the ERME provisions also included the criminalisation of the use of sub-standard materials and unauthorised alterations to approved engineering designs during construction.

He said that in furtherance of efforts to refine professional standards, the Council approved the draft report of the Technical Review Committee on the Engineers’ Code of Practice and Conditions of Engagement (ECOPACCE), including the draft revised ECOPACCE document.

The registrar said that the initiative would ensure that professional service fees and engagement conditions reflected contemporary best practices and prevailing economic realities.

He said that in line with its statutory mandate, the Council also approved the registration of 2,672 engineering practitioners across various cadres, registered engineering firms in multiple categories, including 30 consulting firms.

He said that COREN accredited three National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) Engineering Skills Training Providers, bringing the total number of registered firms and providers to 118.

“These resolutions collectively underscore COREN’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the engineering regulatory framework, enhancing the quality of engineering education and professional practice.

“It will also safeguard public interest, and positioning Nigeria’s engineering profession competitively within the global community. (NAN)

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