By Elijah Ugani
The Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering NATE-CR, in partnership with the University of Cross River State, has inaugurated two boards to aid the smooth execution of the training of artisans in the state.
The innuagration which follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between NATE-CR and UNICROSS was held on Thursday, January 8th 2026 at Treasure Land Hotel, Calabar.
Speaking during the innuagration, the Chairman of NATE, Cross River State, Engr. Murphy Ekpo FNATE, welcomed and thanked members for the efforts made to ensure that the program commences and noted that “The artisans on the streets are very close to the people and when people needs to construct houses, they go to the artisans. They have taken construction work from us, that is is why we have decided to train them so that they can provide the needed services effectively..This training will provide the framework for them to thrive.
“The training will commence at the end of January, 2026. And COREN will issue them certificates that will enable them to work anywhere”.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon.Tgst. Dominic Udotan KSM, FNATE who was represented by Chief Ekpenyony Ekeng FNATE, Chief in Council of the Obong of Calabar, thanked the association for the initiative and expressed confidence that by middle of the year, a lots of people will join the program.
He noted that “When the artisan are certificated, they will be very happy. The artisans are the first to be consulted when our people wants to put up structures within the town and the village, they are the closest and very affordable. The only thing we have to do is to get them together, and upgrade their skills for greater efficiency”.
On her part, the University of Cross River State, Vice Chancellor Prof Francisca Bassey, represented by Engr Dr Nsed Akonjom, commended the association for the initiative and pledged the university commitment to ensure that artisans in cross river state receives the needed training to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the society.
The Vice Chancellor noted that “No country can be called great without technology. We have to formalize training sufficiently.
“I can assure you that UNICROSS will provide you with all that is needed to ensure that this programme is done excellently. We will get the job done”.
The Governing Council Board for NATE-CR/ UNICROSS Artisan Training Programme was inuaguted with the following composition:
Engr. Murphy Ekpo FNATE. NATE-CR branch Chairman – Board Chairman
Rt. Hon.Tgst. Dominic Udotan KSM, FNATE, FNISET. National President NATE – Member
Prof. (Mrs) Francisca Bassey. Vice Chancellor, UNICROSS – Member
Prof. Simon Ogbechie Odey. Dean Faculty of Engineering UNICROSS – member.
Engr. Dr. Nsed Akonjom. Director CES UNICROSS – member. .
Engr. Bassy Inyang. FNATE. Chairman NATE-CR Fellows Board – member.
Representative from COREN – member.
Representative from CRS ministry of Labor and Productive – member
Representative from CRS Ministry of Science and Technology – Member
Representative from CRS ministry of works and Infrastructure -member.
Representative from Leafage Industry Limited – member.
Representative from Niger Miles Limited CRS – member
Representative from Parmol Nigeria Limited. – member.
Engr.Tgst.Bisong Godwin Busa MNATE – Secretary.
Also, a fundraising committee was inuaguted with the following composition:
Engr.Dr.Nsed Akonjom. Director CES UNICROSS – Chairman.
Prof.Simon Ogbeche Odey. Dean Faculty of Engineering – member.
Engr. Dr. Francis Ogani. HOD Civil Engineering Department NATE-CR – Member.
Engr. Dr. Joseph Offiong. Coordinator of Ugep/Ikom NATE Chapters – Member.
Engr. Archibong Effiwatt. MNATE – Member.
Engr. Gabriel Adie. MNATE – Member.
Representative from Federal ministry of Labor and Productive. – Member.
Representative from Parmol Nigeria Limited – Member.
Engr. Tgst. Benjamin Eni. MNATE. Branch Financial Secretary – Secretary.
Highlights of the event was presentation of appointment letters to train the trainers and group photographs.