COREN and National Development: An Evaluation

Abstract

Nigeria as a nation has always realized the importance of science, engineering and technology to her quest for development. Successive governments in the country have therefore formulated various policies and established ministries, departments, parastatals and bodies to facilitate the development of science, engineering and technology. One of such establishment is the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Since it was established in 1970 the impart of engineering has not been adequately felt in the country's developmental strives. This research evaluated the roles of COREN in the development of Nigeria. The study utilizes both primary and secondary methods of data collection. The study also evaluated COREN through some evaluation parameters that include its structure, functions, achievements, constraints and prospects. A comparative analysis of engineering regulation in Nigeria with those of United Kingdom and South Africa was carried out. The study revealed that COREN has achieved some degree of success in the areas of registration of engineering personnel, accreditation of courses in the tertiary institutions and training of engineering personnel. Conversely, COREN has not been able to adequately enforce it rules, codes and regulations due to some weaknesses identified in the COREN Act El 1. There is also the problem of inadequate funding by government. In view of the need to have an effective engineering practice in Nigeria, the study recommended an immediate amendment of the COREN Act to remove areas of encumbrances. Some other recommendations aimed at enhancing the roles of COREN in the country's quest for development were made with strategies for their implementation.