AUST Pays Courtesy Visit to COREN Registrar, Reinforces Commitment to Industry-Ready Graduates
The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, Tuesday , December 16, paid a courtesy visit to the Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Prof. Okorie Austin Uche, following his recent appointment.
The delegation led by the Dean, School of Engineering, Dr. Vitalis Anye, who represented the President of AUST, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAS, reaffirmed the University’s commitment in strengthening collaboration with professional regulatory bodies to advance engineering education in Nigeria and across Africa.
The visit provided an opportunity for AUST to formally introduce its undergraduate engineering programmes to COREN, congratulate Engr. Prof. Uche on his recent appointment as Registrar and to extend a formal invitation to COREN to conduct an Outcome-Based Engineering (OBE) Education Workshop at the University.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Anye reiterated the university's mission to train both postgraduate and undergraduate students in science, engineering, and technology.
He noted that AUST was established in 2007 under the Nelson Mandela Institution to produce world-class engineers and scientists that would pummel Africa's development in the next millennium.
He further highlighted that the University has successfully trained students from across the African continent, contributing significantly to capacity building, innovation, and industry development.
Dr. Anye stressed on the importance of engineering accreditation in ensuring international recognition and global competitiveness for Nigerian engineering graduates.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the need for engineering programmes in Nigeria to align with international best practices through robust accreditation processes, industry relevance, and outcome-based education frameworks.
In his response, Engr. Prof. Okorie Austin Uche warmly welcomed the AUST delegation and commended the University’s proactive efforts toward strengthening engineering education.
He harped on the need for institutions in obtaining provisional signatory status and explained COREN’s ongoing transition from input-based accreditation to outcome-based accreditation, a shift designed to ensure that engineering programmes are aligned with industry needs and measurable learning outcomes.
Prof. Uche encouraged AUST to fast-track its accreditation processes and integrate stronger industry participation into its curricula.
He also spoke on logistical and funding challenges faced by the accreditation body, stressing the need for sustained government support to further strengthen engineering regulation in Nigeria.
The COREN Registrar expressed his optimism about the future of engineering education in the country noting that effective regulation and collaboration among stakeholders could position Nigeria as a leader in engineering education.
Following the engagement, the AUST delegation paid a brief courtesy visit to the COREN President, who offered words of encouragement and support to the University’s vision and ongoing initiatives.
TDr. Vitalis Anye was accompanied on the visit by Dr. David Afolayan, Prof. Tochukwu Chibueze Ogwueleka, Prof. Eli J. Bala, Dr. Olusegun Toluhi, Dr. Anthony Anyakora, Dr. Bunmi Coker, among others.
The visit reinforces AUST’s commitment in producing industry-ready, professionally certified engineering graduates and strengthening of partnerships that advance engineering education and regulation in Nigeria and across Africa.