ABE 206: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

MECHANICAL ENGINEEERING ASPECT

COURSE LECTURER: ENGR. O.T. POPOOLA
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics
and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical
systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and
mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.[1] It is one
of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.
Mechanical engineering is a diverse subject that derives its breadth from the need to design
and manufacture everything from small individual parts and devices (e.g., microscale sensors
and inkjet printer nozzles) to large systems (e.g., spacecraft and machine tools). The role of a
mechanical engineer is to take a product from an idea to the marketplace. In order to
accomplish this, a broad range of skills are needed. The mechanical engineer needs to acquire
particular skills and knowledge. He/she needs to understand the forces and the thermal
environment that a product, its parts, or its subsystems will encounter; to design them for
functionality, aesthetics, and the ability to withstand the forces and the thermal environment
they will be subjected to; and to determine the best way to manufacture them and ensure they
will operate without failure. Perhaps the one skill that is the mechanical engineers exclusive
domain is the ability to analyze and design objects and systems with motion.
The engineering field requires an understanding of core concepts including mechanics,
kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and electricity.
Mechanical engineers use these core principles along with tools like computer-aided
engineering and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants,
industrial equipment and machinery, heating and cooling systems, transport systems, aircraft,
watercraft, robotics, medical devices, and others.
Mechanical engineering emerged as a field during the industrial revolution in Europe in the
18th century; however, its development can be traced back several thousand years around the
world. Mechanical engineering science emerged in the 19th century as a result of
developments in the field of physics.
Technology/engineering seeks different ends from those of science. Engineering strives to
design and manufacture useful devices or materials, defined as technologies, whose purpose
is to increase our efficacy in the world and/or our enjoyment of it. Can openers are
technology, as are microwave ovens, microchips, steam engines, camcorders, safety glass,
zippers, polyurethane, the Golden Gate Bridge, much of Disney World, and the Big Dig in
Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework, October 2006 7
What is Engineering? Civil and mechanical engineering, with physics as the fundamental
foundation, were the first activities to be recognized as engineering. Engineering today
includes electrical, chemical, materials, biological, environmental, and computer engineering.
Design, metallurgy, biomedical etc.Thus engineering can and does draw from the full breadth
of scientific activity. Indeed, many of the areas of engineering expected to have the largest

impact over the coming decades e.g. biological, environmental, and computer engineering
have as their scientific foundation disciplines that were not defined in their modern form 30
years ago.
Although different people have used different words in contemporary definitions of
engineering and its practitioners, most definitions are reasonably consistent. Thus we have for
example Holtzapple and Reece definition of an engineer as someone who:
combines knowledge of science, mathematics, and economics to solve technical problems
that confront society.
and Prausnitz definition:
Engineering is the application of science for human benefit.
Commenting on the definition of engineering, Prausnitz has said: If engineering is the
application of science for human benefit then the engineer must be a student not only of the
application of science, but of human benefit as well. The individual engineer, and
engineering-based organizations and institutions, have an opportunity to be of service to
society when their energies and talents are applied in a manner consistent with a coherent and
morally defensible framework for evaluating benefit. Economics is a sufficient evaluative
framework for benefits that are readily monetized, such as a lower-cost manufacturing
process or product. In cases where benefits are difficult to monetize such as health,
sustainability and environmental quality, equity, security, and well-being other evaluative
frameworks need to be considered. Most of the difficult technology-related dilemmas facing
society involve a combination of monetized and non-monetized benefits and costs.
Speaking personally, I believe that the engineering profession represents a viable path to a
life of service and positive world impact. Walking this path involves devoting energy to
carrying out and acting upon evaluation of technology in relation to human benefit.
Engineering Sciences 22 A Perspective on Engineering p. 2
Analysis is central to the application of science as practiced by engineers. We use analysis to
ask questions such as How should a system be configured in order to achieve some specified
objective?, or alternatively How will a system respond given some specified set of inputs?
Most engineering analysis begins with a disaggregated representation of a system of interest
and results in an aggregated representation. In some cases, the disaggregated representation is
obtained by application of a physical principle (e.g. conservation of energy or matter) to an
infinitesimally small (differential) element within the system. Examples from among many
include analysis of the stress on an airplane wing, image analysis for breast cancer detection,
the effect of fossil fuel utilization on global climate, and the effect of solar storms on satellite
communications. In other cases, the disaggregated representation is a set of descriptions of
the behavior of system components. Examples, again from among many, include any
electronic device, a machine or robot, a cell, the human body, communication networks, and
the environment. Mathematics is used to convert the dissaggregated representation, whether
based on a differential element or a set of component descriptions, into an aggregated

representation of the macroscopic and/or multi-component system. This process of modeling

a system, and extracting useful descriptions of its behavior from the model is called systems
analysis, and is the topic of this course. Because different types of systems can often be
analyzed using the same mathematical tools (and often are represented by mathematically
identical equations!), it can make sense to study systems as a discipline independent of any
particular physical systems. However, in this class we will base our study of the techniques of
systems analysis on physical systems, and learn the techniques in the context of their
applications.
The Relationship Between Engineering and Science. There is no clear boundary between
engineering and science. Hence differentiating engineering from science is a matter of
identifying central tendencies rather than of drawing absolute distinctions. Notwithstanding
this reality, the central tendencies of science and engineering differ with respect to defining
objectives, the expectations of society, and dominant intellectual directionality (discussed
below). Understanding these differences is important in order to comprehend how
engineering and science, and also engineers and scientists, function in our increasingly
technological world. In addition, understanding these differences is important for the
technically-oriented college student who is choosing a major and taking the first steps toward
defining a career.
The etymology of engineering and engineer derives from engine and ingenious
both of which come from the Latin root in generare, which means to create1. By contrast,
science and scientist derives from the Latin scire which means to know. Thus
engineering and science are defined by different objectives. Consistent with this, society has
different expectations of engineers and scientists. The creations resulting from engineering
endeavour are judged primarily by whether they are useful and beneficial. The
knowledge resulting from scientific endeavour is judged primarily by whether it is
correct and consistent with prior knowledge. As discussed in the previous section, the
central tendency of engineering is to proceed from the disaggregated to the aggregated (see
above). Thus the dominant intellectual directionality of engineering is inherently integrative.
By contrast, the central tendency of science is to proceed from the aggregated to the
disaggregated. Consider that the primary focus of physics has changed over time from
macroscopic phenomena such as mechanics and optics to atomic, sub-atomic, and sub-subatomic. The primary focus of biology has changed from multi-Engineering Sciences A
Perspective on Engineering
cellular organisms to cellular, sub-cellular, and molecular phenomena. Similarly, most of the
frontiers of chemistry today involve phenomena at the molecular and atomic scales.
Consistent with the different dominant intellectual directionalities of engineering and science
postulated here, engineering education typically involves a greater emphasis on tools of
systems analysis as compared to education in the sciences.
I summary, it seems to me that key features of engineering that distinguish it from science
are:
1. Practical problem-solving as a defining objective.

2. Systems analysis as a primary intellectual directionality.

The first of these requires application of evaluative frameworks for technology and may
include a significant service element. The second, the focus of this course, involves using
mathematics to progress from a disaggregated description and understanding of a system to
an aggregated description and understanding. A Perspective on Engineering Endeavor and its
Relationship to Systems Analysis and Science Engineering
Boston. Each of these, with innumerable other examples, emerges from the scientific
knowledge, imagination, persistence, talent, and ingenuity of practitioners of
technology/engineering. Each technology represents a designed solution, usually created in
response to a specific practical problem, that applies scientific principles. As with science,
direct engagement with the problem is central to defining and solving it.
The Relationship between Science and Technology/Engineering
In spite of their different goals, science and technology have become closely, even
inextricably, related in many fields. The instruments that scientists use, such as the
microscope, balance, and chronometer, result from the application of technology/engineering.
Scientific ideas, such as the laws of motion, the relationship between electricity and
magnetism, the atomic model, and the model of DNA, have contributed to achievements in
technology and engineering, such as improvement of the internal combustion engine, power
transformers, nuclear power, and human gene therapy. The boundaries between science and
technology/engineering blur together to extend knowledge.
Areas of Interest in Mechanical Engineering
Areas of interest include:
Biomedical and Engineering Fluid Mechanics
Combustion and the Environment
Ground Vehicle Systems
Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Energy Systems
Manufacturing
Mechanical Design, System Dynamics and Control
Transportation Systems
Biomedical and Engineering Fluid Mechanics
This field of study is based on the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and their broad range of
applications in the biomedical and engineering arenas. Areas of current research include
blood circulation in the body and its potential role in the regulation of normal physiological
function and in the development of disease; groundwater and atmospheric flows and their
implications for pollutant transport and environmental concerns; aerodynamic flow around
transportation vehicles and its impact on vehicle performance; and flow in combustion
engines and other energy systems with considerations of efficiency and environmental
impact. These areas are investigated both experimentally and computationally.

Combustion and the Environment

Combustion is widely used for energy generation, propulsion, heating, and waste disposal, as
well as for many other applications. Mechanical engineers are often heavily involved with the
design of combustion systems (internal combustion engines, gas turbines, furnaces, etc.) and
deal with aspects of combustion ranging from increasing efficiencies to reducing pollutant
emissions. This area of interest is designed for those who would like to work in fields that use
combustion, or that deal with pollution related to combustion. With the current increased
emphasis on reducing pollutants while efficiency is maintained or increased, the efforts of
mechanical engineers in designing and improving combustion systems are becoming more
important.
The program of study focuses on basic aspects of combustion, such as the properties of
flames and fuels and pollution; applications of combustion to practical systems like engines
and burners; design and optimization of systems that use combustion; and environmental
considerations like pollution generation, control, transport, and effect.
Ground Vehicle Systems
An aspect of mechanical engineering is the design of surface vehicles. The emphasis in on the
design of more environmentally benign vehicles that can provide transportation while using
fewer resources. Innovations in this field require competence in vehicle dynamics, propulsion
and engine concepts, control of power transmission, and construction of lightweight
manufacturable structures and systems. Alternatively fueled power systems, including electric
drives, are also studied.
Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, and Energy Systems
This area of interest emphasizes the fundamentals of heat transfer and thermodynamics and
their application to the design of advanced engineering systems. The objective of this
program of study is to introduce the fundamental processes of heat transfer and
thermodynamics in complex engineering systems to enable more efficient, cost effective, and
reliable designs with less environmental pollution and impact. An understanding of heat
transfer and thermodynamics is required for the design of efficient, cost-effective systems for
power generation (including advanced energy conversion systems), propulsion (including
combustion engines and gas turbines), heat exchangers, industrial processes, refining, and
chemical processing. This area of interest is important to many industries-aerospace, defense,
automotive, metals, glass, paper, and plastic-as well as to the thermal design of electronic and
computer packages.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into products. A major activity of
mechanical engineers is studying and working with various production methods and
techniques, integrating creative design activities into actual fabricated products. The
emphasis in the manufacturing program is to provide hands-on experience with state-of-theart and computer-integrated processes and manufacturing methods. Laboratories have state-

of-the-art manufacturing equipment for conventional and non-traditional machining, threedimensional measurement, and plastic injection molding. Computer-oriented manufacturing
is also an emphasis of the program. A manufacturing engineer will have a solid background in
manufacturing processes and systems as well as in statistics, design, controls, and
applications of microprocessors.
Mechanical Design
The creation and improvement of products, processes, or systems that are mechanical in
nature are the primary activities of a professional mechanical engineer. The development of a
product, from concept generation to detailed design, manufacturing process selection and
planning, quality control and assurance, and life-cycle considerations are areas of study and
specialization in the area of mechanical design. Solutions to such major social problems as
environmental pollution, lack of mass transportation and of raw materials, and energy
shortages will depend heavily on the engineer's ability to create new types of machinery and
mechanical systems. The engineer-designer must have a solid and relatively broad
background in the basic physical and engineering sciences and have the ability to solve a
variety of problems. In addition to having technical competence, the designer must be able to
consider the socio-economic consequences of a design and its possible impact on the
environment. Product safety, reliability and economics are other considerations.
System Dynamics and Control
Engineers are increasingly concerned with the performance of integrated dynamics systems
in which it is not possible to optimize component parts without considering the overall
system. System dynamics and control specialists are concerned with the modeling, analysis,
and simulation of all types of dynamic systems and with the use of automatic control
techniques to change the dynamic characteristics of systems in useful ways. The emphasis in
this program is on the physical systems that are closely related to mechanical engineering, but
the techniques for studying these systems apply to social, economic, and other dynamic
systems.
Transportation Systems
An important aspect of mechanical engineering is the planning, design, and operation of
transportation systems. As society recognizes the increasing importance of optimizing
transportation systems to minimize environmental degradation and energy expenditure,
engineers will need to consider major innovations in the way people and goods are moved.
Such innovations will require competence in vehicle dynamics, propulsion and control, and
an understanding of the problems caused by present-day modes of transportation.
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MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS
Four functions of the mechanical engineer can be cited.

1. understanding and dealing with the bases of mechanical science. These include dynamics,
concerning the relation between forces and motion, such as in vibration; automatic control;
thermodynamics, dealing with the relations among the various forms of heat, energy, and
power; fluid flow; heat transfer; lubrication; and properties of materials.
2. the sequence of research, design, and development. This function attempts to bring about
the changes necessary to meet present and future needs. Such work requires a clear
understanding of mechanical science, an ability to analyze a complex system into its basic
factors, and the originality to synthesize and invent.
3. the production of products and power, which embraces planning operations, and
maintenance. To produce the maximum value with the minimum investment and cost while
maintaining or enhancing long term viability and reputation of the enterprise.
4. the co-ordinating function of the mechanical engineer, including management, consulting,
and in some cases, marketing.
In these functions there is a long continuing trend towards the use of scientific methods.
Operations research, value engineering, and PABLA (problem analysis by logical approach)
are typical titles of such rationalized approaches. Creativity, the ability to take the important
and unexpected step that opens up new solutions remains in mechanical engineering, as
elsewhere, largely a personal and spontaneous characteristic.
Overview of the Mechanical Engineering Job Description
Understanding the mechanical engineering job description is important for anyone thinking
about a career in mechanical engineering. Although there are many different types of
engineers, this is one that many people gravitate to and also a career in high demand. Of all
engineering disciplines, mechanical is one of the oldest and most respected, and a discipline
that concentrates on science and math applications.
One of the things that make mechanical engineering unique is the broad array of disciplines.
With a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, an individual could focus on standard
duties whereas with this degree and additional specialized education, the same person would
have the opportunity to move into advanced disciplines or work a combination of the two. In
either case, mechanical engineering is a complex, challenging, and reward career opportunity
worth the time it takes to earn the appropriate degree.
Basic Responsibilities
At minimum, the mechanical engineering job description includes using math and physics
principles to help with the design of a product with a particular function. These skills are used
by multiple industries, adding to the excitement of mechanical engineering. With this,
literally any system with moving parts would be handled by the engineer. To accomplish this,
expertise in friction, inertia, center of balance, force, and work would be imperative, which
comes from earning a degree.

Some of the work performed by a mechanical engineer is special, such as robotics,

automotive engines, and so on. No matter the project, most mechanical engineers are
responsible for a single component of a very large system. This individual would work from
established and desired requirements, with the goal to discover the most effective and
efficient solution. Depending on the system and the project, a mechanical engineer would
find resolution alone or as a member of a team.
Although smaller companies often depend on a single mechanical engineer for the work
needing to be done, it is common for larger companies to have entire teams. However, in the
case of a complex system, having several mechanical engineers working together would be
standard practice since finding solutions often means brainstorming to come up with different
opinions and angles.
Because of modern technology, duties of a mechanical engineer have become extremely
advanced. Therefore, having input from several licensed engineers makes it possible to
determine which parts of a system should be left alone and which parts need to be modified
or replaced. Of course, while looking for viable solutions, another aspect of the mechanical
engineering job description is trying to keep to a budget and increase the companys bottom
line but without sacrificing on integrity.
Employment Opportunities
Because the mechanical engineering job description is so precise, complex, and intricate, this
type of professional is in high demand for some of the worlds best known corporations such
as Audi, Hyundai, and Ford. However, mechanical engineers also play vital roles within small
companies and even mom and pop machine shops where tools and products are made for
consumer use.
Job opportunities are in abundance for a mechanical engineer, especially the person who has
education, training, and experience in multiple disciplines of this engineering field. Although
it is common for an engineer to seek employment with corporations, there are some that work
as independent contractors or consultants. In addition, some mechanical engineers focus on
research and development, sometimes in the field and sometimes in a laboratory
environment.
The person with the appropriate education and training and someone qualified to find flaws in
large systems is invaluable. After first earning an undergraduate degree, it would be common
for a mechanical engineer without actual work experience to work alongside an engineer with
advanced education and years of experience. This provides the opportunity for the individual
to gain incredible hands-on knowledge, which would ultimately prove beneficial to the
company.
Education Requirements and Salary Potential
No matter the exact mechanical engineering job description, this professional must earn a
college degree with focus on mechanical engineering. Although it is possible to be hired with
an Associates Degree, most companies, regardless of size or reputation, prefer someone with

a Bachelors Degree or higher. At any level, one of the most important decisions a person can
make is choosing an accredited college or university since hiring companies look at this
information on resumes of potential employees.
As part of mechanical engineering programs, an individual would be provided with all
necessary curriculums to include actively participating in various design projects and
research. It would also be highly recommended for the person interested in a career such as
this to consider a school that offers internship programs, which would also boost the chance
of being hired. As far as potential salary, a person would earn on average $80,000 a year
although with advanced education for multiple disciplines, earning potential could be as high
as $115,000.
Nigerian Society of Engineers/COREN
THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGINEERS REGISTRATION & ENGINEERING
REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COREN AND NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGNEERS
The two are separate and different bodies so that they cannot be referred to interchangeably.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) is a voluntary association established by the
practitioners of the profession while the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria
(COREN) is a statutory organ of Federal Government, established by decree and concerned
with certificate of persons for the purpose of practicing the engineering profession in Nigeria.
COREN being the regulatory body for the engineering family in Nigeria, it is therefore
necessary to have relevant portions of relevant COREN publications reproduced to serve for
both emphasis and as information to all.
WHAT COREN IS
COREN is a statutory organ of the Federal Government established by Decree No.55 of
1970, as amended by Decree 27 of 1992, which empowers it to control and regulate the
practice of the engineering profession in all aspects and ramifications in Nigeria. In this
respect, amongst other duties,
COREN
i) Caters for about 65 engineering disciplines, many of which have their practitioners greater
in number than those of most professional regulatory
ii)Registers FIVE cadres of engineering personnel, Engineers, Engineering Technologists,
Engineering Technicians, Engineering Craftsmen, and Engineering Consulting Firms with
each having its own Association, i.e.:
a) Nigerian Society of Engineers
b) Nigerian Association of Engineering Technologists

c) Nigerian Institute of Engineering Technicians

d) Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen, and
e) Association of Consulting Engineers of Nigeria (ACEN)
iii)Accredits engineering courses in the universities, polytechnics / college of technology,
technical colleges both within and outside Nigeria
iv) Organizes and supervises the post-graduate practical training of newly graduated
engineering personnel.
NSE
The Nigerian Society of Engineers was established in 1958 with the primary objective of
providing a rallying forum for Nigerian Engineers to address the problem of colonial
marginalisation for an increased participation in the policy formulation and physical
development of our fatherland. Since then, the Nigerian engineer has recorded tremendous
achievements in the areas of science, engineering, and technology. Unfortunately, the
Nigerian engineer has had a cope with a very hostile environment occasioned by the invasion
of the engineering profession by quacks and impostors of sorts. This has resulted in very poor
standard job, numerous abandoned projects everywhere, structural failures, fires and outright
collapses. The unfortunate consequences have been the colossal waste of human and material
resources and the terribly battered image and morale of the Nigerian engineer. The
devastating effect of this state of affairs is slowing down the progress of a young country in a
hurry to develop quickly attracted the attention of Government. Thus, the Engineers
(Registration, etc) Decree 55 (1970) was promulgated. Unfortunately, the registration of
engineers alone could not stop the continuing bastardization of the engineering profession by
quacks and attendant consequences. Thus, through further hard work and representations of
the Nigerian Society of Engineers the amended Decree 27 (1992) was promulgated by which
the Council for Registration of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) was now renamed the Council
for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria with full powers of register control, and monitor
and enforce compliance.
The Engineering Regulations Monitoring (ERM) is a statutory function of COREN.
However, its execution includes and involves the whole engineering personnel otherwise
known as the Engineering family. The engineering family comprises the engineers,
technologists, technicians, and craftsmen. Several attempts to address the ERM has been
embarked upon by COREN in the past. The most remarkable of these efforts include the
various COREN Assemblies for sensitizing members of the engineering family on the
relevance and objectives of ERM and the various problems militating against its
implementation. Of particular importance were the Abuja COREN Assembly / ERM Seminar
of 17th October 1996 and ERM workshop of 9th November 1996.
In recognition of the urgent need for ERM as a corrective tool and tool for professional
protectionism, as well as the current funding inadquancies in the environment, the Nigerian
Society of Engineers Council approved to give maximum assistance to COREN in order to

kick-start the programme by latest 1997. This was followed by the nomination and training of
inspectors in 1996. Two COREN /NSE Workshops were also held in the current year at which
the objectives, modalities and procedures for the ERM were fine-tuned and approved. The
kick-off date for the ERM nationwide was thus set for 23rd June 1997. The final stages in
setting the scene included the production and testing of Inspection Questionnaires at special
training workshops held for Branch Chairman / resource persons and inspectors nationwide
on 17th June 1997 and 19th June 1997 respectively.
At this juncture, it is necessary to state that the engineer cannot be opposed to non-engineer
businessmen doing engineering business: in fact this is encouraged internationally, However,
given the ugly consequences of engineering failures, there is very justification to insist that
the entire technical functions from the topmost technical management (technical director) to
the artisan should be headed and run by registered engineering personnel who are responsible
and liable for the maintenance of standards, code and ethics of the engineering profession. In
addition, it is necessary that at least one member of the Board of Directors is a registered
engineer in other to ensure a competent technical direction of the board.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF ERM
The aims and objectives of ERM cuts through the objects of the Nigerian Society of
Engineers and COREN Decree and can be summarized as follows:To ensure that engineering is practiced in Nigeria in accordance with the codes of
Engineering practice, in the interest of public safety, and for the protection of her
development and economic investments.
To enforce the maintenance of discipline and strict standards of ethics in the practice of the
engineering profession in Nigeria.
To foster the speedy acquisition of all relevant engineering and technological skills by
Nigerians required accelerating development efforts and effecting a speedy modernization of
Nigeria.
To minimize and, with time, eliminate engineering and technological dependence of Nigeria
on other countries.
To minimize the enormous foreign exchange leakage from Nigeria, resulting from existing
domination of engineering activities, particularly in the petroleum and construction sectors of
the economy, by foreigners.
To facilitate and expedite the positioning of the Nigerian Engineering family to join in the
global competition for incomes accruable from international Engineering Consultancy and
Construction practice.
To monitor and enforce compliance with Decree 55 of 1970 as amended by Decree 27 of
1992, by all practitioners of Engineering in Nigeria.
REGULATIONS REQUIRING MONITORING

In addition to a higher order of insistence on acceptable international standards in

accreditation of Engineering programmes and courses, Engineering Regulations requiring
monitoring in the public and national interest include:

Monitoring of private sector companies and institutions offering engineering training, or

capable of offering engineering training or education.

Monitoring of Consulting and Construction Engineering Firms activities.

Monitoring of Engineering National Youth Corps members and Supervised Industrial

Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE) trainee deployment and training.

Monitoring of registration and engineering practice and Identification and exclusion of

quacks from engineering practice and extirpation or use of COREN engineering titles by
quacks.

Monitoring of the Public sector in the Federation of Nigeria to ensure adherence to the
regulations and ensuring that all members of the engineering family deployed therein are
registered by COREN to practice in Nigeria.

MANDATE / ACTIVITY OF MONITORING UNITS

The monitoring Units shall:

Locate, document establishment and personnel and report to the Registrar.

Verify and monitor the professional competence of building approval officers.

Act as COREN watchdogs on maintenance and upholding engineering codes of practice in

public works, prohibit default, and ensure that all such are in accordance with Engineering
Design prepared by a Registered Engineer.

Verify that organizations working in the area of Engineering Contracting have at least, an
active Registered Engineer on their Board of Directors.

Observe and report cases of non-adherence to approved engineering code of practice in

respect of public and private works to the Registrar.

Report all defaults and contravention of COREN Decrees to the Registrar.

When so required, to collect fees (application, registration, interview / assessment, practicing

fees, etc.) in Bank Certificate Cheques / Bank Draft Only In Favour Of Council For The
Regulation Of Engineering In Nigeria (to be written in full) on behalf of COREN.

PROCURE FOR ERM INSPECTION

The COREN Inspectors shall visit engineering establishments and those allied to engineering
in both private and public sectors to collect relevant data with the aid of the questionnaire
booklets designed for this purpose and other means that may be considered appropriate in
order to:

i)

To obtain data on companies active in engineering practice in Nigeria

ii)
To ascertain their compliance with Nigerian Laws pertaining to Engineering practice
in the country

iii)
To establish adherence to Codes of Ethics and Practice of Engineering in Nigeria, in
the public and national interest

iv)
To obtain manpower and technological data for economic and Social Engineering
Planning

v)
To establish the basis for imposition of sanctions against defaulters in compliance
with Engineering Laws and Regulations in Nigeria.

ERM QUESTIONNAIRE TEST AND ANALYSIS

The questionnaire test concluded recently reveals that the following disturbing trend:

That many unregistrable and unregistered engineers have been appointed or promoted beyond
the rank of senior in their appropriate cadres in contravention to COREN Decree 55 (1970) as
amended 27 (1992)

That many Engineering Departments in Universities, Polytechnics and Technical colleges are
operating below the minimum requirements for training engineering personnel in Nigeria.

That the approval of construction design in the City and Local Government Councils and
firms are being carried out by unregistrable or unregistered persons

That unregistered or unregistrable persons are being appointed by construction firms as

project managers and site agents.

That most engineering firms are not embarking on Continuing Professional Development of
their engineering personnel

That most engineering firms do not show active participation and support for professional
development, promotion of engineering and technology as well as commitment to
engineering codes and ethics

That several consulting firms are not registered or are not current on the Register

That many practicing engineers have not paid their practicing fees and therefore their names
are withdrawn from the Register.

THE WAY FORWARD

The conclusion from the above questionnaire test shows that a great number of firms may not
meet the threshold score to be clear standing against sanctions. In order to reduce the risks of
sanctions due to one or several deficiencies, the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigerian Society
of Engineers its putting forward a line-up of actions for the general good of interested firms.

The general directions of these actions are to:

Provide opportunities for accelerated registration of senior qualified persons in order to

regularize an obvious deficiency

Provide materials and officers in the Secretariat for reference and counseling on issues of
ERM

Provide opportunities for firms and personnel to meet the demands of Safety through
workshops.

Provide seminars, courses and workshops to avail members and firms of avenues for
improving their CPUs and corporate standing in relation to item D of the above table
Finally, it is necessary to stress that the Engineering Regulations Compliance Monitoring
Exercise is mandatory for all engineering practitioners. Thus any attempts to avoid it may be
constructed as a deliberate action against the success of the programme.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers is therefore of the opinion that it is better for a practitioner
to be in the process of ensuring compliance than never.

THE BENEFITS OF REGISTRATION

To The Public

i.

Registration protects the public from quacks, charlatans and unworthy persons;

ii.
It provides a strict yardstick against which the engineering professional may be
judged on her ability to undertake specific responsibilities;

iii.
It assures that an independent body has examined the registered person and found
him/her competent to be registered.

To The Employer

Registration assures a skill base to cope with new technologies and market changes;

i)

It shows investors, analysis and customers of good quality of staff;

ii)

Registration assures customers of professional standards to meet legal requirements;

iii)

It demonstrates that the aspirations of new employees can be satisfied.

To The Individual

i)

Registration provides proof of standard of education, training and experience;

ii)

It provides international recognition

iii)

It increases mobility across wide range of employment

iv)

It keeps the person abreast with latest developments

v)

It stimulates career development

vi)

Registration creates opportunities for satisfying work.

References
[1]. Holtzapple, M.T., W.D. Reece. Foundations of Engineering. McGraw Hill, New York
(1997).
[2]. Prausnitz, J.M. From Appolo to Prometheus and Hercules: Goals and methods of
chemical engineering. Chem.[3]http://mechanicalengineering-jobs.net/overview-of-the-mechanical-engineering-jobdescription/
[4] http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/scitech/1006.pdf
[5]http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sullivan/22files/Engineering_vs._science.pdf
[6]http://www.dit.ie/mechanicalandtransportengineering/departmentofmechanicalengineering
/theroleofthemechanicalengineer/\
[7] http://www.nseph.com/Nse_Coren.Htm