By Emeka Oluka & Femi Dansu
The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) has organised an Orientation Programme for Batch A students of the 2023/2024 Academic Session in preparation for their upcoming Industrial Training Programme.
The Batch A students were in Agriculture; Aquaculture and Fisheries Management; Forestry and Wildlife Management.
The event was a collaborative effort between SIWES and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).
In his Address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi described SIWES as a skill acquisition programme designed to expose tertiary institution’s students to real-world industrial situations, preparing them for life after graduation.
Represented by the Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Olajide Sogunle, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, highlighted the opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with work ethics, and handle equipment, machinery, and tools not readily available in training institutions.
Prof. Akinyemi who also doubles as the Chairman, SIWES Committee stated the main objectives of SIWES to include the acquisition of industrial skills, exposure to work methods, ethics, and techniques, enhancing students’ networks for post-graduation job placement, and bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical work situations.
Besides, Prof. Akinyemi noted that the Orientation Programme was carefully planned, targeting around 1,800 students from four Colleges and 16 Departments.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, the University Community, and the ITF Team, particularly acknowledging the support of the Area Manager of ITF, Abeokuta, Mrs. Bolanle Ajibade.
In his speech, the Director, SIWES, Prof. Adeolu Akinyemi reiterated the programme’s purpose in providing skills training for students in preparation for the industrial work environment after graduation.
He emphasised the role of SIWES in bridging the gap between theory and practice in various disciplines and exposing students to professional work methods.
The Director underscored the Scheme’s importance in equipping students with practical experience, safeguarding work areas and workers, and facilitating an easier transition from school to the world of work.
According to him, SIWES is a mandatory part of the approved Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS) for Degree programmes in Nigerian Universities.
In her Vote of Thanks, the SIWES Officer, Mrs. Omolara Taiwo expressed gratitude to the University Management, ITF staff, and other attendees, including representatives of various Departments within the University.
