NSE, COREN drum up support for NATE’s proposed N500m headquarters

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) says it will support the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) to build its headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Sadiq Zubair, the president of COREN, described the association as a strong partner in the development of indigenous technology and human capital that deserves “our financial support”.

The COREN president spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the fundraising and ground-breaking ceremony of the NATE’s proposed N500 million headquarters.

He also solicited the support of private investors for the project to reduce the financial burden on NATE.

On her part, Margaret Oguntola, president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), commended NATE for the vision to construct its headquarters.

“It will increase your comfort and output and also strengthen your relationship with other members of the association and relevant stakeholders,” the NSE president said.

Olu Ogunduyile, who chaired the event, described the decision of NATE to construct its own headquarters as a lofty idea that requires the commitment of all stakeholders.

Dominic Udoatan, NATE president, said the association has grown to a level that it needs “befitting facilities that will assist in effective administration, training, and empowerment of its members”.

Udoatan noted that a new structure is needed to “allow our members to connect, collaborate, and strategise”.

“It’s a place where future generations of technologists can find inspiration and guidance. More importantly, it’s a symbol of our progress and permanence,” he said.

“As we conquer new territories, NATE House will be our home base, a place to rest, rejuvenate, and plan for the future.

The engineer said state chapters and the federal capital territory (FCT) have been mandated to provide financial support for the project.

The NATE president also called on the national assembly to mop up the HND/BSC dichotomy for relevant legislative actions.