Bamidele Eleniola and Femi Otitoju
The Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) hosted an inspiring event for students as they were set for their Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) programme, aimed at bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world industrial practices.
FUOYE VC, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina
The event, a collaborative effort between SIWES and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), featured an official from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Akure, Ondo State, who enlightened students on the operational guidelines of the compulsory SIWES programme, providing insight into what to expect during the scheme in April.
The event was held at the Faculty of Engineering Auditorium, Ikole Campus of the university on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
While declaring the August event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, welcomed the team of Industrial Trust Fund (ITF) to the university.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Head of Ikole Campus, who doubles as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olubunmi Samuel Shittu, delivered an inspiring message to the prospective SIWES students.
Head of Ikole Campus and Deputy Vice Chancellor ( Academic) , Professor Olubunmi Samuel Shittu delivering the Vice Chancellor address
He said: “Today, you are making another history in your life. This is a yearly event that you cannot afford to miss before you graduate.”
The Vice-Chancellor stressed that SIWES was a transformative experience that could significantly shape their future, either positively or negatively depending on their approach.
Cross-section of SIWES students
He went on: “This programme can open many opportunities and doors for you, and it’s important to approach it with a positive attitude.”
Speaking further, Professor Fasina noted that the University Management had authorized the Directorate to scrutinize the choice of places of attachment by the students to ensure their safety and 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, and however, admonished the students to avoid all social vices that would bring the name of the University into disrepute during the period of their industrial training.
Prof. Fasina urged them to be good ambassadors of the University in their respective places of attachment.
” I want you to think outside the box and bring innovation, be a good image of the university in your respective training center,” he said.
With this inspiring send-forth, FUOYE students are now set to embark on their SIWES journey, gaining invaluable industry experience that would enhance their career prospects and contribute to their academic growth.
Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, the Director of SIWES, Dr. Nnamdi Okomba, expressed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, for his support always.
However, the Director SIWES thanked the Vice-Chancellor and his Management team for the usual support in organizing the orientation programme while equally appreciating the ITF officials from Akure, Ondo State for coming to sensitize the students.
He said : “I want to welcome everybody to this programme today, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who is ably represented by Professor Olubunmi Shittu for his unwavering support toward this programme.”
He further acknowledged the dedication of FUOYE students, describing them as “dedicated and determined to learn,” a credit to the institution.
He appealed to the students to uphold the university’s name and image and assured them that their lecturers would be visiting and supervising them regularly during their time in the programme.
The director of SIWES presented letters of commendation to three exceptional students, who had demonstrated outstanding performance and made the university proud.
“We have some students who have done so well and made the university proud, and we hope to see more students emulate their success,” Dr. Okomba added.
In his keynote address, The Area Manager, of ITF, Alhaji Sule Rauf said, “we are here to sensitize you on the information needed for this compulsory Industrial Training.”
The Training Coordinator, Mrs Grace Ajagbe
Speaking on behalf of the Area Manager, ITF, The Head of Training at the ITF Akure Area Office, Mrs Grace Ajagbe said “it is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this gathering to deliver this speech on behalf of the Director-General, Management and staff of the Industrial Training Fund.”
He went on: “This SIWES orientation is a skill programme organized to sensitize the students of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria on the importance and objectives of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme ( SIWES).
“The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme, SIWES is a skill training programme designed to expose students of Higher Institutions of Learning to the Industrial works situation beyond the four walls of the classroom and to provide the kind of experience that will define their professional future.”
The Area Manager ITF further said that the scheme also aimed at exposing the students to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that were usually not available in their institutions.
“Students from Universities are expected to compulsorily embark on Industrial attachment for a stipulated period of six (6) months, ” he added
He highlighted the significance of SIWES, saying, “SIWES is a programme designed for students of higher institutions, with FUOYE being one of them. We are here to emphasize the importance of this programme.”
He explained that SIWES offered students hands-on experience with machinery and equipment they may not have access to in their academic institutions.
“This is an opportunity for you to learn and acquire knowledge,” he added while encouraging students to reach out to the SIWES Director for support whenever necessary.
“I implore you as you proceed this new year , to take advantage of this opportunity to acquire as many skills and methods of work , always have a positive mindset set, and visualize the programme as an opportunity to learn and grow, comport yourself decently in your workplace, obey constituted authority and observe all safety measures in the organization you find yourself.
“I will not end this address without appreciating the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina and his Management team of this great institution for their unflinching support towards the effective functioning of the SIWES Unit and its activities in general.”
In his appreciation message, the former Coordinator, SIWES at FUTA who’s the current Deputy Director SIWES, FUOYE, Engr. Oluwagbemi Lawrence thanked everyone who came to grace the orientation programme and prayed that the students will make it in life.
ITF staff
Highlights of the event were the presentation of the award to the best three students who had made the university proud during their SIWES programme in their respective attachments.
