The Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has called on the Federal and State Governments to significantly increase funding for the engineering technology profession to strengthen national technical capacity.
NATE President, Right Hon. Dominic Oduatan, made the appeal at the opening of the 2025 Conference of Technologists in Engineering held in Lagos.
Oduatan renewed the association’s demand for the full abolition of the B.Sc./HND dichotomy, insisting that technologists must be allowed career progression beyond level 14 without being forced to convert to the engineering cadre.
He noted that NATE has made progress through stronger engagement with COREN, including expanded representation for technologists on the council.
The NATE President highlighted key achievements in the past year, including increased membership, a functional national website, growing recognition within regulatory circles, and ongoing construction of the Permanent NATE National Secretariat in Abuja.
He urged governments and stakeholders to support the completion of the project.
In his keynote address, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, also called for the total elimination of the B.Sc./HND divide, describing it as harmful to national development.
He lamented that over 4,200 technologists have migrated in search of better opportunities due to poor remuneration, and called for fair wages that reflect professional competence.
Dr. Abdul revealed that NATE, YABATECH and the NBTE are developing a National Engineering and Technological Remuneration Framework (NETREF) to establish a fair three-tier wage structure for technologists.
He urged the government to adopt the framework as a national model to improve retention and restore dignity to the profession.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh