President Bola Tinubu has been urged to quickly act on the legislative measures that would end the protracted dichotomy between university degree and HND holders, especially in the workplaces and promotion processes.

Dominic Udoatan, national president of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), made the appeal at the 2024 Conference of the Association in Abuja, on the theme ?Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions through Development of Codes & Standards, Regulations and their Enforcement.?

He confirmed that legislative work on the dichotomy has been completed and appealed for a positive response from the Presidency on the matter.

?One of the most critical milestones of the Association, in the past three years, was the strong advocacy for the elimination of the academic distinction between B.Sc. and HND holders.

?Today, I am pleased to inform you that the bill has passed through all necessary stages at the National Assembly, and now awaits the assent of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. We appeal for a positive statement in this regard.

?We are in synergy with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and National Society of Engineers (NSE), following up legally, legislatively, and administratively. We hope that in no distant time, the dichotomy will be a thing of the past. This will forever reshape the landscape of engineering education and career progression for technologists in Nigeria.

?As Engineering Technologists, we are charged with the responsibility to shape the future of our profession by upholding standards, implementing robust codes, and ensuring compliance for the safety and well-being of our society.

?This conference, therefore, provides the perfect platform to discuss and deliberate on these vital issues, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more regulated practice across the nation,? he said.

Udoatan appreciated the support from members of the association which, he said, has resulted in remarkable achievements and expansion of the Association in all areas including building new chapters/branches.

?Over the past three years, we have made tremendous strides together, and today, I stand before you with immense pride to highlight some of the collective achievements.

?Our journey is far from being over. Undoubtedly, we have made remarkable progress, but there is still much to achieve. Continue to support our vision for a united, progressive, and globally recognized NATE.

?Let us work together, with love and unity, to ensure that we not only maintain the successes we have achieved, but also surpass them. We appeal to the Federal Government to employ modern technology in reactivating or revamping various sectors of the economy, as only Technology and Technologists hold the key to National Development,? he added.

New officers were elected to run the association?s affairs in the next few years. The election of the national president was unopposed. Mahmud Hussaini emerged as the national deputy president while Reuben Maisamari, Mohammed A. Bala, and Gotom Daniel, were elected as vice presidents for the North East and North Central zones, respectively.

Other elected officials included Tokede Sunday (vice president, South West), Chidi Dimkpa (vice-president South South), Peter Ekenachi (vice president, South East) and Ibidapo Kayode (national general secretary). (Daily Sun)

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