One-Year Engineering Residency Before NYSC: Boost or Bottleneck?

COREN has introduced a mandatory one-year Engineering Residency Programme (ERP) for all engineering graduates. This must be completed before they can join the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The Council says the ERP will sharpen practical skills and align Nigerian degrees with global benchmarks. Supporters point to guaranteed industrial placements under MOUs with accredited firms. They argue this step will end the practice of posting engineers to non-engineering roles and improve public safety through supervised, hands-on experience. Critics note that in Washington Accord countries, graduates start paid work immediately. They warn that adding another year could delay career entry, heighten financial strain, and overwhelm the capacity of approved firms. Debate also surrounds HND holders. COREN aims to unify the pathway for university and polytechnic graduates. But polytechnic associations argue their students already complete a one-year industrial training. A second compulsory residency may devalue their prior practical experience and further extend their timeline.

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