Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Femi Dansu
Students of the College of Engineering (COLENG), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), are demonstrating innovative engineering solutions and hands-on technical competence through the University’s Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP), with projects ranging from smart security systems to automated cooking devices, agricultural tools and construction materials.
The Dean of the College, Prof. Adedayo Badejo, said the 10-week programme was designed to equip 200-Level Engineering students with practical skills and expose them to multidisciplinary engineering practice beyond classroom instruction. Speaking during an interview at the ongoing exercise, he noted that students rotate across the various Departments, participating in the design, fabrication, construction and implementation of engineering projects under the guidance of Academic staff and Technologists.
According to the Dean, the cross-disciplinary approach allows Agricultural Engineering students to gain exposure to Mechatronics Engineering, while students of Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Mechatronics Engineering also undertake practical training outside their core disciplines. He said the initiative promotes teamwork, innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills required in the Engineering profession.
Prof. Badejo said the projects expose students to practical skills in welding, fabrication, electrical installation, electronic circuit design, construction techniques, quality control and project management.
The Dean explained that after SWEP, 300-Level students proceed on a three-month Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES I), while 400-Level students undertake a six-month SIWES II, providing them with further industrial exposure before graduation. He urged participants to actively engage in every aspect of the programme, noting that each student is expected to submit a technical report and give a presentation as part of the assessment.
Prof. Badejo commended the University Management for providing funds for the procurement of materials used for the practical sessions, describing the intervention as timely and impactful. He also welcomed the recent recruitment of additional academic staff into the College and appealed for sustained investment in modern engineering facilities to strengthen practical training and keep pace with emerging technologies.
Reaffirming the importance of SWEP, the Dean said the programme remains an indispensable component of engineering education at FUNAAB, preparing students for industrial training and professional practice through experiential learning. He also applauded the commitment of students, academic staff, technologists and other stakeholders whose support has continued to ensure the success of the initiative.
Among the projects attracting attention was an Automated RFID Locking System being developed by students from the Departments of Mechatronics, Agricultural, Civil and Electrical Engineering. The smart access control system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to grant authorised users electronic access to offices, replacing conventional lock-and-key mechanisms.
Explaining the technology behind the project, a 300-Level Mechatronics Engineering student, David Oladimeji, said the system combines an ESP32 microcontroller, an RFID card reader and an electromagnetic lock powered by a 12-volt DC supply. He noted that once an authorised RFID card is presented, the system authenticates the user within milliseconds before granting access, showcasing the practical application of embedded systems and automation technologies.
Also speaking, a 200-Level Mechanical Engineering student, Ojumide Olamilekan, described the RFID-based system as a more secure alternative to conventional locks because access is limited to authorised card holders, making it suitable for sensitive offices and facilities.
Other projects undertaken during the programme included the design of an automated electric stove with an electronic timer, the fabrication of hand farm trowels, the production of engineering drawing boards and the moulding of concrete interlocking blocks.
