Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Wuraola Dada
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) today, September 10, 2025, hosted the 2025 Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) 3rd Quarter Zonal Supervisory Meeting, reaffirming its commitment to building employable graduates through effective industry-based training.
Declaring the meeting open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the University Librarian, Prof. Abayomi Owolabi stressed the crucial role of SIWES in equipping students with relevant technical skills. He charged SIWES Directors across institutions to ensure that students were adequately trained, noting that if the scheme fails to achieve its objective of promoting technical competence, graduates should not be unfairly blamed.
Prof. Abayomi further emphasised that industries were more willing to collaborate with universities when they see that SIWES is well-monitored and efficiently managed, underscoring its importance to FUNAAB’s academic mission.
In her remarks, the Area Manager of the Abeokuta Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mrs. Bolanle Ajibade who represented the ITF Director, Dr. Afeez Oluwatoyin, expressed appreciation for the Vice-Chancellor’s support and warmly welcomed participants to the meeting. She acknowledged the dedication of SIWES coordinators and officers, commending their consistent efforts in bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Mrs. Ajibade encouraged officials to openly share the challenges they encounter in the field, assuring them that practical solutions would be pursued for the benefit of both students and institutions.
Earlier, the Director of SIWES – FUNAAB, Prof. Oluwatoyin Afolabi, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support of the programme. She also extended a warm welcome to SIWES coordinators and officers from other universities, recognising their collective contribution towards improving SIWES operations across higher institutions in Nigeria.
The meeting brought together stakeholders to review progress, share experiences, and strengthen collaboration in ensuring that SIWES continues to serve as a strong pillar in preparing students for the world of work.
Credit: Gbolahan Lawal
