Summary of Key Facts:
COREN has reintroduced a one-year compulsory Engineering Residency Programme for all graduates of engineering (both university and polytechnic/HND). This programme is to be undertaken before NYSC and is aimed at building practical competence, professional proficiency, and hands-on industry experience.
The initiative is a revamped version of an older programme known as SITSE (Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering). The new Engineering Residency Programme (ERP) is part of a two-year post-graduation pathway.
- 1 year of ERP
- 1 year NYSC in an engineering-related organisation
This structure aligns with global engineering education and licensing standards, especially as Nigeria is now a provisional signatory to the Washington Accord since 2023. COREN is negotiating with the government to provide stipends (₦75,000/month) for participants.
ERP completion will be a requirement for full COREN registration as an engineer or technologist. Remuneration reforms (ECOPASS) and annual license renewal tied to continuous professional development (CPD) are also being introduced. JAMB and NUC are now working with COREN to regulate admission quotas and improve curriculum quality for engineering programmes.
Seven regional COREN offices have been created for decentralised regulation.
Importance of the Development:
This move is similar to practices in: Medicine (housemanship); Law (law school), and Pharmacy (internship)
It aims to: Improve engineering education quality, Reduce quackery, Increase employability; Align Nigerian engineers with global certification standards
Conclusion: The Engineering Residency Programme (ERP) is now officially reinstated by COREN and will soon become mandatory for all new engineering graduates in Nigeria. However, implementation timelines and logistical details (including stipend approval) are still being finalized and may be formally launched at the upcoming 33rd Engineering Assembly from July 15–17, 2025.
SOURCE ; IN HOUSE
About The Author
