By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, has appointed Prof. Okorie Austine Uche as its new Registrar, a statement signed and issued Friday by its head of Corporate Advancement and Public Relations Mrs Ojonugwa Haruna said.
His appointment, effective from March 2025, was approved by Council at its 183rd Ordinary Council Meeting held on 15th January, 2025. He takes over from Prof. Adisa, Ademola Bello, whose tenure has come to a successful end, according to the statement.
A distinguished engineer and academic, Prof. Uche until this his latest appointment at COREN, served as a Professor of Civil/Structural Engineering at Bayero University, Kano.
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Engineer Uche has made significant contributions to engineering education, research, and administration in Nigeria.
Born on 1st August, 1965 in Amuda-Isuochi, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Prof. Uche’s academic journey began at Development Primary School, Owerri, and continued through Isuochi Secondary School and Emmanuel College, Owerri.
His higher education achievements include: HND Distinction in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, 1988, where he was a valedictorian, B Eng. in Civil Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, 1994, graduating as the best student; M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2000, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2008.
Prof. Uche’s vast experience in engineering spans academia, research, and professional practice.
Since joining Bayero University in 2001, he has played a pivotal role in training and mentoring over 1,000 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate students, thus shaping the future of engineering in Nigeria.
His scholarly contributions include over 90 publications in reputable journals and conferences.
He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, FNICE, a COREN-registered engineer, a member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and a member of the Materials Society of Nigeria among other associations.
Prof. Uche has served the profession in various capacities, including as Chairman of NSE, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Kano and Kabuga branches.
He has also been an active contributor to COREN Council committees since 2014.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Prof. Uche is deeply committed to his faith and community, serving as a Diocesan Technical Adviser and Lay President of Methodist Church Nigeria, Kano Diocese. He is a Worthy Knight of John Wesley, KJW.
Prof. Uche is happily married to Lady Ngozi Uche, a union blessed with four children.
Following his appointment, the Leadership of COREN in its usual manner, organised an orientation workshop for the incoming and outgoing Registrars, members of COREN management, and regional officers to ensure a seamless transition of power and familiarise the new Registrar with the vision and roadmap of the council.
