The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has outlined a bold roadmap for 2026 that places innovation, professional growth, and national development at the centre of its agenda. With the world rapidly changing and technology shaping how nations compete globally, NATE’s leadership has made it clear that Nigeria’s engineering technologists must be ready to lead, influence policy, and deliver homegrown solutions that meet local and international demands.
In his New Year’s address, NATE’s national president, Dominic Udoatan, shared insights into the association’s strategic priorities. His message was firm, hopeful, and brimming with a sense of responsibility to uplift the profession and strengthen its contribution to Nigeria’s progress.
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Renewed Focus on Innovation and Competence
Udoatan made it clear that one of the top priorities for 2026 is to enhance the innovation capacity of engineering technologists so they can adapt to fast-paced technological evolution and national development needs. He said NATE plans to achieve this by deepening collaboration with industries, educational institutions, and government bodies. The intention is to ensure that professional technologists are not only participants but active shapers of policies affecting engineering practice in Nigeria.
In practical terms, this will mean rolling out certification programmes that strengthen skills, establishing mentorship initiatives, and delivering specialised training designed to expand members’ capabilities. These efforts are targeted at increasing both competence and the global relevance of Nigerian technologists. According to Udoatan, the programmes will be benchmarked to meet global standards while reflecting the realities and needs of local industries.
The leadership’s vision also emphasises sustainability and the creation of solutions that can withstand the pressures of rapid technological change. In Udoatan’s words, this is a commitment to equipping members with skills that will keep them competitive at home and abroad.
Reflecting on Milestones and Indigenous Achievements
While setting goals for the year ahead, Udoatan also took the opportunity to reflect on NATE’s achievements in 2025. He acknowledged that the previous year had its challenges, especially against the backdrop of economic uncertainty and evolving professional demands. Yet, he highlighted that NATE recorded measurable progress during that period.
A standout achievement was the association’s work in designing and producing indigenous engineering solutions that address practical needs in agriculture, food processing, and industrial automation. These include machines for egg incubation, rice destoning both for large-scale and smallholder needs, coconut de-shelling, castor oil seed de-husking, and tiger nut processing. A range of other technologies such as automated power failure systems and dehydration equipment, also came out of these efforts.
These homegrown innovations showcase the practical capacity of Nigerian technologists. They also signal a shift from reliance on imported solutions to the development of local technologies tailored to Nigerian conditions. Udoatan said these accomplishments position NATE as a strong contributor to solving real economic and industrial challenges.
Strengthening Representation and Professional Inclusion
In his address, Udoatan also spoke about steps taken to enhance the association’s influence and professional inclusion within the larger engineering ecosystem. He noted that NATE had secured approval for an additional seat on the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), pending final legislative endorsement.
This development, if fully realised, would give technologists a stronger voice in regulatory processes that affect how engineering practice is governed in the country. It builds on NATE’s advocacy work, which has already seen success in expanding representation for polytechnic graduates. The association also marked its highest attendance yet at the 2025 Conference of Technologists and Annual General Meeting in Lagos, reflecting increased engagement among its membership.
Beyond representation at regulatory tables, NATE has started important induction programmes for graduating engineering students from polytechnics and monotechnics, aligning practice with the provisions of COREN and international accords like the Sydney Accord. In addition, the creation of new NATE chapters across the country is part of a deliberate effort to broaden professional inclusion and make the association more accessible to members nationwide.
Advocacy for Equity and National Progress
True to its role as a voice for engineering technologists, NATE did not shy away from highlighting systemic issues that continue to affect the profession. Udoatan reiterated the association’s call for the Federal Government to address the longstanding divide between Bachelor of Science degree holders and Higher National Diploma holders. He described this dichotomy not only as a barrier to professional equity but also as a barrier to national unity and economic growth.
According to the NATE president, removing this divide would unlock opportunities for thousands of skilled professionals and enhance fairness within the engineering space. It would send a clear signal that competence and practical skills matter, irrespective of the academic pathway taken. This call for reform sits alongside broader efforts within the Nigerian tech ecosystem to recognise and elevate the role of technologists in national development.
As technologists prepare to take on the year ahead, NATE’s blueprint for 2026 is anchored in unity, commitment to excellence, and a focus on sustainable growth through innovation and capacity building. By strengthening skills, forging strategic partnerships, and advocating for equitable policies, the association aims to shape not only the future of engineering technologists but also the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s technological progress.
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