…says the program aims to develop the competency, proficiency, and hands-on experience of engineering graduates.
The iNews Times reports that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has announced plans to reintroduce a mandatory one-year residency program for engineering graduates before they proceed to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
According to Professor Sadiq Abubakar, President of COREN, the program aims to develop the competency, proficiency, and hands-on experience of engineering graduates.
Speaking ahead of the 33rd COREN Assembly scheduled for July 14, 2025, in Abuja, Abubakar emphasized that any graduate who fails to undergo the residency program will not be qualified to practice as an engineer in Nigeria.
“After graduation, they will have to undergo mandatory one-year residency in their area of specialization to develop the competence, proficiency, and hands-on experience,” he explained.
The residency program, which has existed for over 20 years, is designed to equip engineering graduates with practical skills and industry exposure. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be certified and qualified to proceed to NYSC.
Abubakar noted that the one year of residency and posting in engineering organizations will be part of the qualification requirements for registering with COREN as an engineer or technologist.
COREN has signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with other jurisdictions in Europe, Asia, and the Americas under the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) agreement.
This development will enable Nigerian engineers to practice globally and be regulated under any jurisdiction.
Abubakar described this as a significant milestone, stating that it will allow Nigeria to develop its human capital to be competitive globally.
To advance professionalism, COREN has also established the Engineering Professional Examination Committee (EPEC) to provide training and professional development for engineers, technologists, and technicians. This will enable them to renew their practice licenses annually. “Hitherto, this has not been a critical eligibility criteria, but now, for any practitioner, whether an engineer or technologist or technician, they have to renew their practice and license annually and they must go under this EPEC,” Abubakar explained.
