We’ll improve efficacy of regulatory framework —COREN

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria(COREN) has assured that it will improve more on its efficacy and regulatory framework.
The President of COREN Engr. Prof. Saidiq Abubakar said the Regulatory framework is an instruments for effective management of the engineering ecosystem to achieve impactful results.
Speaking at the 32nd Engineering Assembly with the theme; “Regulating Engineering Profession for Shared Prosperity in Nigeria”,he appealed to the federal government to continue to fund COREN similar to its peers in funding regime for the benefit of the nation.
“ It our hope and prayer that FGN would reconsider its position.”
Engr. Abubakar also disclosed that COREN has approved the creation of a new register for the cadre of Engineering Artisans in line with its mandate.
“The new National Skills Qualification( NSQ) levels 1-2 under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)which federal government included in the Scheme of Services of Nigeria has given the required recognition and backing to the laudable policy.
He said that the council is ever ready to improve its performance in regulating engineering education, training of practitioners and their practices.
In line with the global ethics and standards to ensure the prevention of the failures engineering infrastructure and safeguard lives and Propertiesof the citizenry.
Similarly, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa stated that the COREN assembly has provided a unique opportunity to address the persistent challenges of engineering failures.
“It also offers us an opportunity to reflect on the present realities which engineering must find solutions to these successes can help to reposition the practice of engineering in Nigeria and unlock the immense potential of the profession as a vital contributor to the sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development of our nation”.
Dangiwa maintained that the assembly aims to address the development of regulations for effective compliance and enforcement in the various critical sectors of the economy which are prerequisite and strong catalyst for sustainable national infrastructure development.
He said this will also promote collective ownership of responsibility in regulating engineering practice leading to more professional Engineering Practitioners resulting in resilient Engineering Infrastructures.
“I am informed that COREN is undergoing some reforms and restructuring to effectively and efficiently implement the provisions of
the COREN amended Act in monitoring and enforcing compliance in Engineering practice”Dangiwa stated .
Meanwhile,In his keynote address the chair, Dublin Accord and Governing Group at the IEA.President,Malaysia Society of Engineering Technology I.r Prof . Megat Johari Mohd Noor, said A resilient engineering and regulated engineering sector is a key to building sustainable and prosperous nation .
He said although there are experiences of self -regulation in some countries.
“ Challenges exist to get engineering persons , employers and businesses to adhere to engineering ethnics . Business decisions may may undermine engineering judgment”.
I.r Prof. Mohd Noor said a regulated engineering profession becomes a solution to the uncontrolled environment to ensure the consumer and public are well protected.
He emphasized that the fact that all regulatory laws are to protect public health , safety and environment.
“Mostly through registering competent engineering persons”.
He said “Developing engineering human captial with adequate regulation is a prerequisite to building a nation’s energy sector and infrastructure.
“ Thus allowing greater industrialization and technological advancement and consequently eliminating poverty towards shared prosperity”,he noted .