The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) on Friday inducted a new set of engineering graduates into the profession.
The ceremony, held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) for the 2023/2024 class, was described as the first of its kind in any Nigerian polytechnic.
NATE National President, Mr Dominic Udoatan, said the induction marked a significant step toward aligning engineering technology graduates with global standards. Represented by the association’s General Secretary, Mr Kayode Ibidapo, Udoatan said the initiative was in line with the Sydney Accord of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA).
He said the ceremony followed a manual issued by COREN on the induction and professional undertaking for engineering graduates, adding that it reflected the steady growth of engineering and technology education in Nigeria, especially after COREN became a provisional signatory to the Washington Accord.
“It is our collective desire in NATE and COREN to promote excellence, innovation, and ethical practice in the engineering profession,” he said.
Udoatan said the induction was meant to promote professionalism, boost confidence, and strengthen the self-esteem of graduates.
“Indexing, oath-taking, and induction are part of the requirements for membership of the Sydney Accord. With today’s certificate, you are entitled to attend our professional clinics, seminars, workshops, and conferences,” he said.
He advised inductees to uphold COREN and NATE ideals, avoid unethical practices, and advance technological development. He also announced a reduction in graduate membership fees from ₦80,000 to ₦25,000, with future discounts for professional examinations.
COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, congratulated the graduates and described polytechnic engineering education as highly practical, skill-oriented, and essential to national development. Represented by the Lagos State Technical Committee Chairperson, Mr Aramide Adeyoye, Abubakar said polytechnics produced the middle-level professionals who kept industries running.
Citing a power outage during the event, he urged graduates to rise to the challenge of improving the nation’s infrastructure.
“Your competence and innovation will be required to renew Nigeria’s infrastructure and knowledge base,” he said.
He emphasized public safety, ethical practice, and lifelong learning, warning that neglecting continuous education could render engineers obsolete in a fast-changing world.
In his welcome remarks, YABATECH Rector, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, described the induction as historic and long overdue. He said the college had looked forward to a platform that celebrated the engineering profession within the polytechnic community.
He commended COREN for supporting YABATECH and giving engineering graduates a renewed sense of pride and purpose.
Keynote speaker, Mrs Omolola Adetona, urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public service. She said engineering remained the backbone of modern society and critical to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits, energy challenges, and environmental issues.
She encouraged the inductees to embrace innovation, teamwork, sustainability, and lifelong learning.
COREN Registrar, Prof. Okorie Uche, represented by Lagos Coordinator, Mr Tomide Akinnawo, administered the induction oath and commended YABATECH for becoming the first polytechnic or monotechnic to conduct such a ceremony.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Best Graduating Student Award in the Faculty of Engineering to Emmanuel Aina of the Electrical Engineering Department.
The push toward meeting the Sydney Accord standards is expected to boost the global competitiveness of Nigerian engineering technologists and technicians.
