By ANGELA ATABO

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has rolled out reforms to tackle quackery, strengthen project monitoring and prevent building collapse and other engineering-related failures.

The Registrar of COREN, Prof. Uche Okorie disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the end of COREN’s 189th Ordinary Council Meeting.

Okorie said major reforms were unveiled to strengthen engineering regulation, public safety, and professional standards.

He explained that the meeting also addressed issues on how to improve professional standards, and advance key institutional reforms.

“Among the key decisions approved by Council is the establishment of a 90-Day Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement (ERM&E) Rapid Response Task Force.

“The task force will intensify the fight against quackery, strengthen project monitoring, and support efforts aimed at preventing building collapse and other engineering-related failures,” he said.

Okorie said the Council also approved the launch of a nationwide public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on promoting compliance with engineering regulations and standards.

He said the campaign will also focus on the dangers of engaging unregistered engineering practitioners.

Okorie added that the Council approved the activation of the Engineering Disciplinary Tribunal to provide a framework for addressing cases of professional misconduct and enforcing accountability within the engineering profession.

According to him, the setting up of the disciplinary tribunal is a major step towards strengthening professional discipline and ethical conduct.

The COREN Registrar also disclosed that the Council approved the registration of 3,328 engineering practitioners across various categories and 107 engineering firms to deepen regulation and improve service delivery,

He said the Council also directed a review of existing registration guidelines to reflect emerging industry realities and global best practices.

The Registrar said the Council further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the engineering profession in the country.

According to him, the Council has directed the reporting of nine cases involving fraudulent academic certificates submitted for registration, to the appropriate anti-corruption authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.

“To strengthen engineering education and quality assurance, Council approved the gazetting of the Engineering and Technology Accreditation Bureau (ETAB).

“It reiterated COREN’s statutory role in the accreditation of engineering programmes in Nigeria,” he said.

Okorie said in line with ongoing efforts to improve safety within the construction industry, the Council approved a national stakeholders’ engagement on the Draft Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry.

He said the engagement is expected to bring together key stakeholders to develop a more robust framework for promoting safe construction practices nationwide.

As part of ongoing digital transformation initiatives, the Registrar said the Council has directed the completion and deployment of the upgraded COREN digital portal

Okorie said the digitisation initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and service delivery to practitioners and stakeholders.

He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring stronger collaboration with government institutions, industry stakeholders, and professional bodies.

The Registrar also reiterated COREN’s unwavering commitment to strengthening engineering governance, promoting professionalism and supporting national development through effective regulation of engineering practice. (NAN)

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