By Stellamaris Ashinze and Funmilola Gboteku

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has initiated a collaboration with ITB Nigeria Ltd. to advance engineering practice across the country.

During a courtesy visit to ITB’s head office in Lagos, the President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, stated that the partnership with the firm would provide training and internship opportunities for young engineers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while COREN is a statutory body established to regulate the practice of engineering in Nigeria, ITB Nigeria Ltd. is a civil engineering and construction company.

NAN reports that COREN president was represented by Vice President, Mr Olaolu Ogunduyile.

At the visit, Abubakar underscored the importance of practical experience and skills in engineering practice.

He explained that COREN was committed to empowering Nigerian engineers to compete and practice globally.

He also noted that COREN was a provisional member of the Washington Accord, an international agreement recognising the equivalence of engineering education and professional competence.

“We have seen what you are doing here, but we need collaboration because we cannot achieve this alone. We need training opportunities for younger engineers,” he said.

“We believe your efforts will have a significant impact on the nation. This facility, equipped with fibre optics and power capacity capable of generating up to 1.5 gigabytes, is a giant stride forward.”

According to Abubakar, COREN regulates all aspects of engineering practice and education in Nigeria.

“The council is working on multiple roadmaps to empower Nigerian engineers to be competitive on the global stage.”

He highlighted the example of India, which generates about $44 trillion annually through mobility in engineering and technology, reducing pressure on foreign exchange.

“If we develop our engineers here in Nigeria, it will create similar mobility.

“Even when engineers travel abroad, which cannot be prevented, they will be able to practice their profession effectively wherever they go.

“COREN collaborates with several organisations and recently signed an accord to strengthen engineering regulation and monitoring across various sectors.

“Our goal is to eliminate issues like building collapses by ensuring strict regulation in all engineering fields.

“COREN is not focusing only on the building sector but also on mining, maritime, power, telecoms, and eleven other sectors where engineering practice is critical.”

ITB’s management expressed gratitude for the visit and appreciation for COREN’s efforts in promoting engineering excellence in Nigeria.

They welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with COREN and support the development of young engineers in the country.

The Managing Director of ITB Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ramzi Chidiac, led the company’s delegation during the visit.

Chidiac pledged to collaborate with COREN on engineering training and certification.

He expressed commitment to registering its engineers with COREN, with over 40 engineers already registered.

According to the managing director, the company also plans to establish a training school for young engineers and artisans.

He said that the proposed training school aims to equip students with practical skills in areas like carpentry, welding, and MEP work.

According to him, upon completion, graduates will be certified and potentially absorbed into ITB’s workforce or other industries.

‘’This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s national skill framework, which encourages outcome based education and certification for artisans and young people without formal education.”

Both parties agreed to work together to make this initiative a success, with potential involvement from relevant government agencies and industry stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzua