The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) yesterday emphasised that the proposed mandatory Engineering Residency Programme being proposed by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN)CIFCFIN admits CPN, COREN into governing council will enhance skill competence, make engineers more attractive to industries and employable.

The Engineering Residency Programme (ERP) in Nigeria is a mandatory, structured one-year post-graduation training initiative to be established by COREN and designed for fresh engineering graduates to build practical, industry-aligned skills and complete professional requirements before proceeding to the National Youth Service Corps.

President of the Academy, Prof Rahamon Bello, said this while speaking to journalists ahead of its Apex event, which include investiture of past Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta as the 14th President of the NAE, its 2026 NAE yearly lecture, presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to 10 fellows and induction of 12 new honorary fellows holding in Lagos.

He said the residency programme supported by the NAE, National Universities Commission (NUC) and other stakeholders is the right way to deepen the competence of budding engineers in the country.

Bello explained that the new curriculum that the NUC just came out with, has allowed the universities to have some elements introduced to be able to engage external people to add value to the theoretical aspects of what engineering students are learning.

“I think the new curriculum will formalise internships for engineers. It hasn’t come up yet, but I believe that’s the way we have to go. So like doctors go on internship, medical doctors, pharmacists go on internship, engineers will not be left out,” he said.

Bello, who doubles as the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, said the Academy has officially transmitted critical advocacy papers to the Federal Government, offering actionable engineering solutions to deep-seated national crises. According to him, the NAE has also been active in fulfilling its mandate as a think-tank for the engineering sector by organising strategic policy dialogues on engineering solutions for energy, efficient and profitable operation of the nation’s refineries, transportation, wastewater management, environmental stability and climate change amongst others.

Specifically, he said, in last few months, the Academy came up with the Alau Dam Flooding Disaster Report, Electricity supply and associated Financial Reforms, the need to implement the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) without delay, to upgrade the supply capacity of the national grid to 25,000 MW, while aggressively pursuing the energy mix agenda via solar, hydro and other green energy schemes, the National Wastewater Management and the Sustainable Climate Change Goals.

The Academy further urged the Federal Government to swiftly adopt these engineering blueprints and deploy them to safeguard Nigeria’s public health, infrastructure, and economic future.

He disclosed that the Academy’s 2026 Annual Lecture, titled “Impactful Engineering through Innovation and Mentorship,” will be delivered by our 10th President, Emeritus Prof Fola Lasisi at UNILAG while other activities include the Annual General Meeting, the 3rd Annual National Innovation Competition Exhibition showcasing breakthrough engineering designs to potential investors, the annual Technology Dinner & Awards Night to honour the nation’s brightest and promising innovators.

Also to be honoured, he pointed out, is the winner of the Academy’s Travel Fellowship Grant, which promotes global exposure by supporting young academicians to acquire needed experience in foreign institutions. ”

“The Nigerian Academy of Engineering is highly appreciative of the commitment and financial support of our partners and sponsors. This year, the Grand Sponsor of the National Innovation Competition is First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

Other sponsors include CISCO Systems, Heirs Energies, Mudozangl, Oriental Energy Resources and NehRebAB Investment Company Limited. In addition, the Academy greatly appreciates Fellows who continue to make donations individually and through their companies and Foundation,” he said.

Also speaking, the vice President, Prof Umar Danbatta, expressed optimism that the proposed engineering residency programme will go a long way in making young engineers relevant to industries, engineering growth and national development.

Technical Secretary of the NAE, Dr Olufunmilayo Coker, called for stronger synergy between the academia and the industry, adding that the NAE is at the forefront of expanding such collaborations.