In a significant ceremony marking the formal transition from academic study to regulated professional practice, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) inducted 736 engineering graduates of the Federal University of Technology, Minna as pupil engineers. The event, held at the university’s main campus, brought together graduating students, university leaders, industry representatives, and engineering regulatory officials to celebrate a key milestone in the careers of the new inductees.
The Registrar of COREN, Professor O. A. U. Uche, FNSE, FNICE, led the induction proceedings on behalf of the COREN President, emphasising the critical role of engineering professionals in national development. In his keynote address, Prof. Uche stated, “Today marks an important moment in your lives. COREN’s mandate is to ensure that every engineer practising in Nigeria upholds the highest standards of competence, ethics, and responsibility. You are now stepping into a profession that demands not only technical skill but unwavering integrity.”
Prof. Uche reiterated that COREN’s regulatory framework exists to protect public safety and ensure that engineering works across the nation meet global best practices. “Your oath today is not symbolic alone — it is a binding commitment to the safety of the public and the wellbeing of our communities. Let your practice reflect diligence, professionalism, and ethical conduct at all times.”
In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of FUT Minna, Engineer Professor Abdullahi Mohammed, congratulated the new inductees on their achievements. He noted that the graduates had successfully completed rigorous academic programmes and were now poised to contribute meaningfully to the engineering profession. “As you enter the workforce,” Prof. Mohammed said, “remember that engineering is about solving problems for people. Be innovators, be thinkers, and above all, be responsible citizens equipped with the knowledge and skills to help transform our society.”
Representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) also spoke at the occasion, underscoring the partnership between COREN and the NSE in fostering professional excellence. Speaking on behalf of the NSE President, the Society’s representative remarked, “The journey you begin today is one of continuous learning and growth. Engineering is not static — it evolves with the challenges and technologies of our time. I urge you to stay curious, stay ethical, and always strive for excellence in every task you undertake.”
During the ceremony, a senior faculty member delivered a lecture on professional ethics, emphasising that ethical judgment is as important as technical knowledge in engineering practice. The lecturer observed that the real test of an engineer’s character often comes when difficult decisions must be made — decisions that affect public safety, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing.
The highlight of the event was the administration of the professional oath. As the graduates repeated the pledge, they committed themselves to comply with COREN’s regulatory standards, prioritise safety in all engineering work, and dedicate themselves to lifelong professional development. The oath marked their formal recognition as regulated members of the engineering profession in Nigeria.
In closing, university officials, COREN representatives, and guest speakers urged the new engineers to view their induction as both a privilege and a responsibility. They reminded the inductees that as licensed practitioners, they would play pivotal roles across sectors including infrastructure development, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing — areas crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and social progress.
The ceremony concluded with applause and well wishes for the graduates’ professional journeys, as families and friends celebrated alongside the inductees. The event reaffirmed the collective commitment of COREN, academic institutions, and professional bodies to uphold engineering standards and to prepare a new generation of skilled, ethical engineers for Nigeria’s future.
