The Directorate of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has organized a one-day orientation exercise to sensitize prospective 300L students of the University ahead of their mobilization for the mandatory programme in April.

During the sensitization exercise that took place on Thursday, 16th February, 2023 at LT-B lecture hall of the Permanent Site, officials of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) were invited to sensitize the students on the operational guidelines of the compulsory SIWES programme as well as to shed more light on what to expect as they prepare for the scheme.

The SIWES is a skills training programme designed to expose and prepare students of universities and other tertiary institutions for the industrial work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. The Scheme which is part of the approved Minimum Academic Standard in the various degree programmes for all Nigerian Universities is to provide an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial skills and experience in their course of study. It is designed to bridge the gap between employers’ expectations and the actual performance of Nigerian graduates, and also the existing gap between theory and practice. 

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor M.S. Audu, charged the students to pay rapt attention to the lectures which were very crucial to the essence of the programme designed to equip them with background knowledge and ensure that they have quality hands-on experience in any organization during the industrial attachment.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated Management's commitment and keen interest in the programme as demonstrated in the upgrade of the Unit to a full Directorate, headed by a senior academic who is an Associate Professor, upon his assumption of office.

Speaking further, he noted that the University Management has authorized the Directorate to scrutinize the choices of places of attachment by the students to ensure their safety and easy supervision. "The Directorate is, by the mandate establishing it, charged with the responsibility of coordinating an effective and efficient industrial work experience for our dear students,” the VC added.

He admonished the students to avoid all social vices that could bring the name of the University into disrepute during the period of their industrial training, urging them to be good ambassadors of the University in their respective places of attachment.

In his own remarks, the Director SIWES, Associate Professor Isah Yinusa thanked the Vice-Chancellor and his Management team for the usual support in organizing the orientation programme while equally appreciating the ITF officials for coming to sensitize the students. The event was also attended by the various coordinators from each participating department just as the students were given opportunity to ask relevant questions about the Scheme. See more pictures here