The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has announced a new policy requiring all engineering graduates from Nigerian universities and polytechnics to undergo a compulsory one-year professional training before proceeding for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
President of COREN, Professor Sadiq Abubakar, disclosed this ahead of the council’s 33rd assembly scheduled for July 14, 2025, in Abuja. He said the one-year “residency” programme will help young engineers build practical skills, competence, and hands-on experience in their areas of specialisation.
According to Abubakar, any graduate who fails to complete the training will not be recognised as an engineer in Nigeria.
“This programme has existed for over 20 years, but we are now reintroducing and enforcing it. After graduation, engineering students must undergo a one-year residency to become competent and qualified. Only then can they proceed for NYSC,” he said.
He added that this training would be conducted in recognised engineering organisations, and certification from the residency will be part of the requirement for registering with COREN as an engineer or technologist.
The council has also signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with engineering bodies in Europe, Asia, and the Americas under the International Engineering Alliance (IEA), allowing Nigerian-trained engineers to practise globally once properly certified.
In addition, COREN will now require all engineering professionals — engineers, technologists, and technicians to renew their practice licences annually. This will be done through the new Engineering Professional Examination Committee (EPEC), set up in collaboration with four leading engineering associations in Nigeria.
Professor Abubakar also noted that COREN is working closely with agencies like the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and others to certify training centres and regulate artisans under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
“This is part of our effort to align Nigeria’s engineering practice with global standards and ensure our professionals are competitive and recognised worldwide,” he stated.