COREN moves against quack engineers, fake certificates

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria has unveiled a series of far-reaching measures aimed at tackling engineering quackery, preventing building collapse and strengthening professional accountability across the country.

Among the key decisions taken by the Council is the establishment of a 90-Day Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement Rapid Response Task Force, designed to intensify project monitoring, enforce engineering standards and identify unqualified individuals engaging in engineering practice.

The decisions were reached at the 189th Ordinary Council Meeting of COREN and were contained in a statement signed on Wednesday by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Okorie Austine Uche.

The Council said the new task force would serve as an emergency intervention mechanism to strengthen oversight of engineering activities nationwide and reduce the growing risks associated with poor engineering practices.

According to COREN, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to safeguard lives and property, particularly amid recurring incidents of building collapse, infrastructure failures and concerns over the activities of unregistered practitioners.

The statement read, “The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria has announced a number of strategic resolutions arising from its 189th Ordinary Council Meeting, aimed at strengthening engineering regulation, enhancing public safety, improving professional standards, and advancing key institutional reforms across the country.

“Council approved the establishment of a 90-Day Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement Rapid Response Task Force to intensify the fight against quackery, strengthen project monitoring and support efforts aimed at preventing building collapse and other engineering-related failures.

“The task force will focus on enhancing compliance with engineering regulations, identifying illegal practitioners, monitoring critical engineering projects and supporting enforcement actions where necessary.

“This intervention reflects the Council’s determination to ensure that engineering works across the country are carried out only by qualified and duly registered professionals in accordance with established standards and regulations,” the statement said.

In what observers describe as one of the strongest regulatory actions by the Council in recent years, COREN also approved the activation of the Engineering Disciplinary Tribunal to address cases of professional misconduct and enforce ethical standards within the profession.

The Council said the tribunal would provide a formal mechanism for investigating complaints against practitioners and imposing sanctions where violations are established.

According to the statement, the move is aimed at strengthening accountability and restoring public confidence in engineering practice.

“In a major step towards strengthening professional discipline and ethical conduct, Council approved the activation of the Engineering Disciplinary Tribunal.

“The tribunal will provide a framework for addressing cases of professional misconduct, breaches of professional ethics and other violations that undermine the integrity of the engineering profession.

“The objective is to ensure that practitioners remain accountable for their actions and that professional standards are upheld at all times,” COREN stated.

The Council also approved a nationwide public enlightenment campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of engaging unregistered engineering practitioners.

It noted that many engineering failures occur because project owners often employ individuals who lack the necessary qualifications, registration and competence required to execute engineering works.

“Council approved the launch of a nationwide public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the dangers of engaging unregistered engineering practitioners and to promote compliance with engineering regulations and standards.

“The campaign will sensitise members of the public, developers, contractors and government agencies on the importance of engaging qualified professionals for engineering projects.

“It is also intended to deepen public understanding of the risks associated with quackery and the devastating consequences that often arise when engineering works are handled by unqualified individuals,” the Council said.

In another major development, COREN disclosed that it had uncovered nine cases involving the submission of fraudulent academic certificates by individuals seeking registration.

The Council directed that the cases be referred to relevant anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance against fraud, the Council said professional regulation must be built on integrity and credibility.

“Council further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the engineering profession by directing the reporting of nine cases involving fraudulent academic certificates submitted for registration to the appropriate anti-corruption authorities for investigation and possible prosecution.

“The Council remains committed to protecting the profession from individuals who attempt to gain entry through fraudulent means and will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that offenders are brought to justice,” the statement added.

As part of efforts to strengthen regulation and improve service delivery, COREN approved the registration of 3,328 engineering practitioners across various categories and 107 engineering firms.

The Council also directed a review of existing registration guidelines to align them with emerging technologies, industry trends and international best practices.

The statement noted that the review was necessary to ensure that Nigeria’s engineering regulatory framework remains responsive to evolving global realities.

To improve engineering education and quality assurance, the Council approved the gazetting of the Engineering and Technology Accreditation Bureau and reiterated its statutory responsibility for accrediting engineering programmes offered by tertiary institutions across the country.

According to COREN, the move is expected to strengthen quality control in engineering education and ensure that graduates possess the competencies required by industry.

The Council further approved a national stakeholders’ engagement on the Draft Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry.

It explained that the engagement would bring together regulators, construction firms, professional bodies, government agencies and other stakeholders to develop a stronger framework for promoting safety within the construction sector.