Engineering Degree Extended to Six Years as COREN Unveils Major Education Reforms

Engineering Degree Extended to Six Years as COREN Unveils Major Education Reforms

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has unveiled a series of far-reaching resolutions aimed at strengthening engineering education, professional practice, and global competitiveness in the country.

The resolutions, announced during the 34th COREN Assembly, mark one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria's engineering sector in recent years, with implications for engineering students, graduates, professionals, employers, and tertiary institutions.

Among the key highlights is the introduction of a six-year engineering degree programme, replacing the existing five-year structure. According to COREN, the additional year is designed to accommodate a mandatory one-year engineering residency programme, providing graduates with structured industry-based practical training before proceeding to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The Assembly also resolved that engineering graduates should no longer be posted to non-engineering organisations for their NYSC. Instead, COREN disclosed that it has entered into strategic partnerships with engineering firms across the country to provide suitable placements for both the mandatory residency programme and the NYSC scheme.

In a move to promote continuous professional excellence, the Council further approved a Compulsory Continuous Professional Development Programme (CPDP) for engineers, engineering technologists, technicians, and craftsmen. Under the new framework, professionals will be required to attain the prescribed CPDP scores as a prerequisite for the renewal of their engineering licences.

Additionally, COREN announced that it has signed both the Washington Accord and the Sydney Accord, a milestone expected to enhance the international recognition and mobility of Nigerian engineering professionals and strengthen the global competitiveness of engineering qualifications obtained in the country.

Speaking at the Assembly, the COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, reaffirmed the Council's commitment to repositioning the engineering profession through policies that promote competence, innovation, ethical practice, and sustainable national development.

The resolutions have generated widespread discussions among engineering students, graduates, academics, and industry stakeholders, many of whom believe the reforms could significantly reshape engineering education and professional practice in Nigeria.

As implementation details continue to emerge, stakeholders are encouraged to follow official COREN communications for further clarifications on timelines, regulatory guidelines, and the rollout of the approved reforms.