The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering says that its key strategic priority for 2026 will be to position the profession to respond to rapid technological change and national development needs.

The national president of NATE, Dominic Udoatan, disclosed this in his New Year’s address on Tuesday.

He said that the association would prioritise professional development, stronger industry collaboration, and sustainable engineering innovation.

“Our focus in 2026 is to strengthen the competence, relevance, and visibility of engineering technologists in Nigeria,” Mr Udoatan said.

According to him, NATE will intensify capacity-building through certification programmes, mentorship initiatives, and specialised training to improve members’ competence and global relevance.

“We are committed to equipping our members with skills that meet both local and international standards,” he said.

Mr Udoatan said that the association would deepen partnerships with industry leaders, educational institutions, and government agencies to ensure engineering technologists are well represented in policy discussions.

“Technologists must have a voice in decisions that shape the future of engineering practice and national development,” he said.

According to the NATE president, it will also promote sustainability and innovation, noting that engineering technologists must lead in developing solutions to challenges posed by rapid technological transformation.

Reflecting on 2025, Mr Udoatan said the association recorded significant milestones despite economic uncertainties and evolving professional demands.

“Last year was challenging, but it was also a period of measurable progress for the association,” he said.

He said a major achievement in 2025 and previous years was the development of indigenous machines by NATE, demonstrating the practical capacity of engineering technologists to deliver homegrown solutions.

According to him, the association designed and produced machines for agricultural processing, food preservation, and industrial automation.

Mr Udoatan said the machines produced include the egg incubation systems and rice destoning machines for both industrial and small-scale use.

He said the list also included equipment for coconut de-shelling and castor oil seed de-husking, as well as the tiger nut processing machine.

Mr Udoatan added that NATE also developed automated mains failure systems and dehydration machines, among other locally engineered technologies.

Mr Udoatan said NATE secured approval for an additional seat on the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, pending legislative endorsement.

He added that NATE’s advocacy for two polytechnic representation slots had been adopted, while the association recorded its highest attendance at the 2025 Conference of Technologists and Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.

Mr Udoatan said the association commenced induction and oath-taking programmes for graduating engineering students in polytechnics and monotechnics in line with COREN and Sydney Accord provisions.

He also added that new NATE chapters were created across the country to expand professional inclusion.

The NATE president commended COREN’s leadership for advancing the engineering profession and called for policies that would strengthen career progression for engineering technologists.

He urged the federal government to end the BSc/HND dichotomy, describing it as critical to national unity, economic growth, and professional equity.

“The removal of this dichotomy will unlock opportunities and enhance fairness across the engineering profession,” Mr Udoatan said. “As we move forward, we must remain united, committed to excellence and focused on sustainable technological innovation.”

(NAN)