By BONIFACE AKARAH

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Rt. Hon. Engr. Tech. Dominic Udoatan, has urged the Federal Government to finally abolish the long-standing HND–BSc dichotomy, warning that the policy continues to limit career progression and weaken Nigeria’s engineering workforce.

Udoatan made the call in his 2026 New Year Address, released on Monday, where he appealed for deliberate policy reforms to ensure equal recognition and advancement opportunities for engineering technologists across the country.

“We call on the Federal Government to eradicate the age-long BSc/HND dichotomy and to demonstrate commitment by working with relevant stakeholders to promote a viable economy, unity and stability,” he said.

According to the NATE president, addressing the disparity is critical to securing the future of the engineering profession and encouraging young technologists to fully contribute to national development.

Push for career progression of technologists

Udoatan also appealed to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to strengthen policies that support career progression for engineering technologists, stressing that recognition and inclusion are necessary to build a competent and motivated engineering workforce.

“We seek your support in ensuring policies that will encourage the next generation of engineering personnel and put in place clear career progression paths for engineering technologists,” he said, adding that such measures would place the profession “in capable hands.”

Review of NATE’s milestones

Reflecting on the past year, Udoatan said NATE recorded notable institutional achievements, including the launch of the NATE history book, the ongoing construction of its national secretariat in Abuja, the registration of NATE Industrial Ventures Nigeria Limited, and the release of a new edition of the NATE Technologists Magazine.

He also highlighted progress in professional representation, noting that approval had been granted for an additional seat for technologists on the COREN Council, pending legislative endorsement, while efforts to secure two Polytechnic representation slots had been adopted.

The NATE president further cited the 2025 Conference of Technologists and Annual General Meeting (CONFOTECH/AGM Lagos 2025) as a landmark event, recording the highest attendance in the association’s history.

Focus for 2026

Looking ahead, Udoatan said the association would prioritise professional development, industry collaboration, and sustainable engineering practices, while expanding induction and oath-taking programmes for graduating engineering students in Nigerian polytechnics and monotechnics in line with COREN and Sydney Accord requirements.

“As technologists, we are not just solving today’s problems—we are shaping the future,” he said, urging members to remain committed to innovation, ethical practice and national development.

He concluded by calling for unity within the engineering community and reaffirmed NATE’s commitment to advancing the role of technologists in Nigeria’s industrial and technological growth.