Bamidele Eleniola & Adedeji Badejo
The Directorate of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti has organized a one-day orientation exercise to sensitize prospective 300 and 400Level students of the University ahead of their mobilization for the mandatory programme in April.
The sensitization exercise took place on Thursday, February 1 2024 at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ikole campus.
This year’s series of the orientation programmes was specifically organised for the 300 400-level students of the Faculties of Engineering, Environmental and Agric on their expectations and obligations to the Scheme.
The event, which was a collaborative effort between SIWES and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) had in attendance an official of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) 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 in April
While declaring the epoch event open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina welcomed the team of ITF to the university.
This programme is aimed at preparing the students for the challenges of the scheme that they are likely to face in the various industries and organizations in the next six months
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olubunmi Samuel Shittu charged the students to pay adequate attention to the trainers which were very crucial to the essence of the programme designed to equip them with background knowledge and ensuring that they had quality first-hand experience in any organization during the industrial attachment.
He, 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, while urging them to be good ambassadors of the University in their respective places of attachment.
VC said: “SIWES is a Federal Government policy formulated to bridge the gap between theoretical background in the school and the practical knowledge in the industry.
” It is clear that, apart from its relevance to career development of graduates from our institution, SIWES is very germane to the production of the much-needed competent indigenous manpower.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina appealed to all intending IT Students to show commitment to the cause of this national policy and display attitude that will make it highly beneficial to them
He said: “Reports from employers of labour on FUOYE students’ performance in the past have been very encouraging as this has led to Site Supervisors rating FUOYE students high in terms of discipline, commitment to work and readiness to learn.
“I hope that you will keep the flag flying by representing FUOYE well in your various places of industrial training.
“As usual, the university will put in place a structure that will deal with any student that may be found wanting during the exercise. The challenges in the field vary from one organization to another.
“I hereby charge you to strive hard to live up to the demands of these challenges and my prayer is that the grace of GOD will see you through.”
In his keynote address, The Area Manager, ITF, Mr. Gabriel Oladimeji said, “we are here for orientation to give you needed information for the industrial training
” Mr Vice-Chancellor, sir, we are grateful to God that we met the school in a very peaceful atmosphere. This orientation is very important for our students to safeguard them on how to go about their six-month internship programme.
” We are here to give them all the necessary information to your students in preparing for the task ahead.
“I want you to find a relevant place to your course of study to add value to your life. Six months can add value to your life,” he added.
while dwelling on insecurity in the country as alarming, he appealed to the students never to walk alone wherever such opportunities presented itself.
” 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 area manager said.
In his remarks, the Director SIWES, Dr. Nnamdi Okonba 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 various coordinators from each participating department just as the students were allowed to ask relevant questions about the Scheme.
Dr. Okomba, however, reiterated the programme’s purpose in providing skills training for students in preparation for the industrial work environment after graduation.
He emphasized 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.
In his words, going by the field reports, many of our students on industrial attachment have been commended because of their outstanding performance as evidenced by comments by Chief Executive Officers of various organizations offering them placement annually.
“I want to thank the vice Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina for making the 2023 edition of the SIWES a successful one.”
This he attributed the success to the Vice-Chancellor, whose total commitment to the students’ welfare made this achievable.
He, however, thanked the SIWES staff, Faculty/Departmental SIWES coordinators, and all intending IT students for their cooperation, particularly staff of ITF, Area Office Akure under the leadership of Mr. G.S. Oladimeji and his team for the support we received from them all the time.
“We will continue to enlist your help, particularly in the payment of our supervisory allowance.
On the occasion were two former directors of SIWES, Engr. Dr. Satimehin and Engr. Olaniyan, Deputy Director, FUOYE SIWES, Engr. Oluwagbemi, Mrs Asubiojo E. B., Mrs Weya-Ajayi F. O, Mrs. Daramola G. B.among others
On the ITF team were, Mr. Olumide Olorunfemi ( SIWES Officer), Mrs Grace Ajagbe (Trainer).
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a commendation letter by the Director of SIWES, Dr. Okomba to 7 students, viz; Adeyemi Favour, Bello Ibrahim Oladimeji, Fashoyin Olujimi Temitope, Alabi Ayomide Olakunle, Onibokun Peace Adeola, Adeyemo Zainah Ayomide and Sunday Esther Adanma for their outstanding performance during their training in the fields.
Photo Credit: Bamidele Eleniola.
