NATE has urged increased funding for Engineering Technology Profession.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has called on the Federal and State Governments to increase funding for the engineering technology profession as a critical step toward strengthening technical capacity and driving national development.
The National President of NATE, Right Hon. Dominic Oduatan, made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Conference of Technologists in Engineering held in Lagos.
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Speaking on the theme, “Enhancing Professionalism in Engineering Technology through Compliance, Enforcement and Remuneration for Sustainable National Growth,” Oduatan described the topic as apt and timely in view of ongoing national conversations on technological advancement.
He emphasized that for Nigeria to achieve meaningful technological growth, there must be effective enforcement of relevant laws and regulations, as well as adequate remuneration for professionals in the field.
Oduatan renewed the association’s appeal to the Federal Government to urgently resolve the lingering issue of career progression for technologists, stressing that they should be allowed to rise beyond level 14 without being forced to convert to the engineering cadre. He also urged State Governments yet to address the matter to do so, either through executive action or legislative intervention by the National Assembly.
Highlighting NATE’s achievements over the past year, Oduatan noted increased membership, stronger collaboration with other engineering bodies, and greater recognition within the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). According to him, more technologists have been appointed to various COREN committees in recognition of their growing relevance.
The NATE President stated that the Lagos conference formed part of the association’s continuous effort to contribute to the upliftment of the engineering profession in Nigeria. He commended the Lagos State Government for ensuring a peaceful and secure environment, saying delegates had enjoyed stability and hospitality since their arrival.
Quoting his 6-point vision statement, he said:
“In 2021, I anchored my vision on a 6-Point Agenda built on continuity, development, and unity. Allow me to humbly present our scorecard:
NATE continues to champion the total elimination of the long-standing B.Sc./HND dichotomy. We have actively engaged COREN, NBTE, and other regulatory bodies toward achieving equal recognition of technologists. Today, progress is visible, and we will not relent until full implementation is achieved.
We promised to construct a befitting National Secretariat. As we speak, work is steadily ongoing at our Permanent NATE National Secretariat in Abuja. This landmark project will serve as our administrative hub and national pride. I call on all Fellows, members, and friends of NATE to support us financially and morally to bring it to completion.
NATE’s relationship with COREN has grown stronger. Our request for an additional seat on the COREN Council has been approved, and a new proposal for two Polytechnic representation slots—one from the North and one from the South—has been adopted. This gives technologists and National Polytechnics stronger voices in national engineering policy. We deeply appreciate the COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar, FNSE, FAEng, for his fatherly support.”
He further highlighted that NATE’s history book was launched this year, a functional website is now operational, and the NATE Technologists Magazine continues to be published, with the latest edition released in October 2025.
Oduatan also announced that NATE’s visibility had expanded locally, nationally, and internationally, with its activities now featured in professional media, government forums, and academic platforms. Membership registration with both NATE and COREN has also risen impressively, reflecting renewed confidence in the association’s relevance.
“We have worked tirelessly to keep the NATE family united,” he continued. “We introduced and institutionalized the annual Presidential Cocktail Party, now called the Founders’ Honour Night, to celebrate our past presidents, national secretaries, and senior members aged 65 and above. It is designed to preserve unity, inspire longevity, and foster continuity.”
He expressed appreciation to the Main Organizing Committee for their commitment in planning the 2025 conference, and extended gratitude to the Lagos State Governor and NATE Patron, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his visionary and technologically friendly leadership.
“Your Excellency, we proudly inform you that NATE is constructing its Permanent Secretariat in Abuja, and we humbly seek your kind support for its completion,” Oduatan appealed. “We also request land allocation for the construction of a befitting NATE Lagos State Branch Secretariat.”
He urged members to remain steadfast in supporting the association’s vision, saying:
“We have come far, but the journey continues. Let us keep faith with NATE, pay our dues promptly, and serve with commitment and integrity. Always remember—peace, unity, and professionalism are the lifeblood of our association.”
In his keynote address, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Ibraheem Adetotun Abdul, called for the total abolition of the dichotomy between B.Sc. and HND certificates, describing it as detrimental to national progress.
According to him, the dichotomy undermines the hard work and professionalism of polytechnic graduates, devalues their certificates, dampens morale, and discourages prospective students from seeking admission into polytechnics.
Dr. Abdul urged NATE to continue its advocacy for the removal of the disparity and to strengthen its professional membership framework to ensure that experienced technologists mentor younger ones while upholding high standards.
He also called for improved remuneration for technologists, noting that fair pay is not a privilege but a just reward for hard work. He lamented that more than 4,200 qualified technologists have left Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad, adding that fair remuneration would help curb the exodus.
“There is a direct relationship between fair remuneration and national growth,” he said.
Dr. Abdul further noted that remuneration should be viewed not as charity but as justice and an economic necessity.
“Nigeria’s inflation rate has significantly eroded real wages. A 2021 World Bank study revealed that HND holders earn about 38% less than their B.Sc. counterparts. This disparity leaves hardworking professionals vulnerable and demoralized, draining the nation’s productive potential,” he explained.
He highlighted YABATECH’s growing innovation ecosystem, exemplified by the establishment of the i-Hub (Innovation Hub), i-Work (Job Factory), and i-Academy (Academy for Youth Empowerment), which promote startups, empower students, and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
According to him, NATE, YABATECH, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) are collaborating to implement a National Engineering and Technological Remuneration Framework (NETREF) that proposes a fair three-tier wage structure—entry, mid-level, and experienced tiers—with additional allowances such as hazard pay and project bonuses ranging from 5% to 25%.
He urged Federal and State Governments to adopt the framework across all state-owned polytechnics and technical colleges as a progressive model for fair pay and professional dignity.
“These initiatives demonstrate that professionalism is valued, compliance is enforced, and remuneration is dignified and sustainable,” he said. “With this framework, technological education will no longer be aspirational—it will be real and measurable.”
Declaring the conference open, the Chairman of the occasion and former COREN President, Engr. Ibikunle Ogunbayo—who currently chairs COREN in Lagos—commended NATE members for their dedication and urged them to sustain professional excellence to remain relevant and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, was represented by Engr. Adekunle Olayinka. Government functionaries from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and several other states were also in attendance.
The day two of the three-day conference featured award presentations to individuals who had distinguished themselves in advancing engineering and technology in Nigeria. Several royal fathers also graced the occasion, which featured light traditional dances to entertain delegates.
The event attracted participants from NATE and COREN chapters across the country.
