The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) says its key strategic priority for 2026 is to position the profession to respond effectively to rapid technological change and national development needs.
The National President of NATE, Mr Dominic Udoatan, disclosed this in his New Year address on Tuesday.
Udoatan said the association would prioritize professional development, stronger industry collaboration and sustainable engineering innovation.
“Our focus in 2026 is to strengthen the competence, relevance and visibility of engineering technologists in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, NATE will intensify capacity-building through certification programmes, mentorship initiatives and specialized training to enhance members’ competence and global competitiveness.
“We are committed to equipping our members with skills that meet both local and international standards,” Udoatan added.
He said the association would deepen partnerships with industry leaders, educational institutions and government agencies to ensure engineering technologists are adequately represented in policy discussions.
“Technologists must have a voice in decisions that shape the future of engineering practice and national development,” he said.
Udoatan also said NATE would promote sustainability and innovation, noting that engineering technologists must lead in developing solutions to challenges posed by rapid technological transformation.
Reflecting on 2025, he said the association recorded significant milestones despite economic uncertainties and evolving professional demands.
“Last year was challenging, but it was also a period of measurable progress for the association,” he said.
Udoatan identified a major achievement in 2025 and previous years as the development of indigenous machines by NATE, demonstrating the practical capacity of engineering technologists to deliver home-grown solutions.
According to him, the association designed and produced machines for agricultural processing, food preservation and industrial automation.
These include egg incubation systems; rice de-stoning machines for both industrial and small-scale use; coconut de-shelling and castor oil seed de-husking equipment; and tiger nut processing machines.
He added that NATE also developed automated mains failure systems and dehydration machines, among other locally engineered technologies.
“These innovations reflect our commitment to solving real economic and industrial challenges through technology,” he said.
Other milestones, he noted, included the launch of the NATE History Book and the ongoing construction of the NATE National Secretariat in Abuja, which has reached the second-floor slab level.
Udoatan said NATE also secured approval for an additional seat on the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), pending legislative endorsement.
“This additional representation will strengthen our professional voice and engagement within the regulatory framework,” he said.
He added that the association’s advocacy for two polytechnic representation slots had been adopted, while NATE recorded its highest attendance at the 2025 Conference of Technologists and Annual General Meeting (CONFOTECH/AGM) held in Lagos.
Udoatan said the association commenced induction and oath-taking programmes for graduating engineering students in polytechnics and monotechnics, in line with COREN and Sydney Accord provisions.
He also said new NATE chapters were established across the country to expand professional inclusion.
The NATE president commended the leadership of COREN for advancing the engineering profession and called for policies to strengthen career progression for engineering technologists.
He urged the Federal Government to end the BSc/HND dichotomy, describing it as critical to national unity, economic growth and professional equity.
“The removal of this dichotomy will unlock opportunities and enhance fairness across the engineering profession,” Udoatan said.
“As we move forward, we must remain united, committed to excellence and focused on sustainable technological innovation,” he added.
