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The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) on Tuesday inducted 61 engineering graduates of Igbinedion University, Okada, into the engineering profession.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event marks the institution’s first-ever official induction and oath-taking ceremony since its establishment in 1999.
In his address, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President of COREN, noted that the council currently regulated over 500 engineering programmes across 114 universities in Nigeria, emphasising that competence, not just graduation, defined a true engineer.
Abubakar, who was represented by Prof. Sunny Onohaebi, highlighted the council’s stringent checklist, including admission quotas, student indexing to internship requirements and mandatory oath administration.
“COREN developed a checklist in line with global best practices as witnessed here in Igbinedion University,” he said.
The president reaffirmed the council’s commitment to maintaining international benchmarks.
“We reassure the university administration of COREN’s resolve to rise to the occasion and maintain the attainment of the Washington Accord benchmark in the university system,” he said.
Abubakar commended Igbinedion University for adhering to global engineering education standards.
The president, however, encouraged the inductees to embrace the profession with excellence and discipline.
In his welcome address, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, called the event an induction of a new cadre of problem-solvers, innovators, and nation-builders into the revered fold of the engineering profession.
The theme of the induction lecture was “The Strategic Roles of Engineers in Advancing National Development amid Insecurity and Economic Challenges.”
The vice-chancellor said it was not an abstract academic topic; but the very reality of the nation.
He highlighted the indispensable role of engineers in solving Nigeria’s most pressing problems.
“Engineers are the master architects of tangible progress. While others analyse and debate, you build.
“Without engineering, there is no power, no transportation, no clean water, no digital connectivity, and no industrial base,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the new inductees to be ethical, innovative, and solutions-oriented.
“Do not just look for jobs; create them. Let integrity be the non-negotiable material in every project you undertake.
“The lives of your fellow citizens will often depend on the soundness of your work,” he said.
Earlier in his opening address, Prof. Rowland Azike, Dean of the College of Engineering, described the ceremony as “a defining moment; one that transformed the graduates from students of Engineering into professionals.
He said the inductees had been prepared to take a place in society as creators, innovators, and nation-builders.
The dean announced that the inductees emerged from six programmes – Chemical, Computer, Civil, Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, and Petroleum Engineering.
He added that “16 of them made first class, among them the best graduating student of the 2024/2025 set of the University.”
He noted that the maiden COREN induction represented a milestone in the journey of the institution, which had produced more than 1,520 engineering graduates since admitting its first class in 2002/2003.
“You are the lucky set to kick start the induction of Engineering graduates in Igbinedion University by COREN.
“Engineering is a discipline that leaves no room for carelessness. It demands precision, courage, and dedication to service.
“The responsibilities you assume today are responsibilities to humanity,” he said.
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