Bamidele Eleniola and Chinedu Okafor
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, has described the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) as a critical mechanism for bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial practice.
Professor Ogunwole stated this while welcoming participants to the 2026 Second Zonal Quarterly Meeting of Directors and Coordinators of SIWES in Ondo and Ekiti States, hosted by the university.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the University Librarian, Dr Olabode Olajide said SIWES remains one of the most impactful initiatives in Nigeria’s educational system, playing a vital role in equipping students with practical skills, competence and professional exposure required to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive world.
He noted that the scheme serves as a strategic platform for advancing the goals of SIWES in tertiary institutions, while expressing appreciation to the distinguished guests and participants who attended the meeting.
“The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) remains one of the most impactful initiatives in Nigeria’s educational system. It plays a critical role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and industrial practice, thereby equipping our students with the practical skills, competence, and professional exposure required to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive world,” The VC said.
Professor Ogunwole emphasized that in a rapidly evolving global landscape driven by innovation and technology, the importance of practical training cannot be overemphasized. He stressed the need for universities to continue aligning their academic programmes with industry needs, describing SIWES as a veritable avenue for achieving such alignment.
According to him, the zonal meeting was timely and significant as it provides stakeholders the opportunity to reflect on current practices, identify challenges and develop strategies for improving the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the scheme.
“I am confident that your deliberations will yield meaningful outcomes that will further strengthen SIWES across Ondo and Ekiti States and beyond,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its unwavering commitment to the success of SIWES nationwide, noting that the agency’s support has been instrumental in sustaining the programme over the years.
He further appreciated the Director of the FUOYE SIWES Unit, Prof. Wasiu Ademola Oyedokun-Alli, and his team for their dedication and hard work in organizing the meeting.
Professor Ogunwole encouraged participants to engage in fruitful discussions, share ideas openly, collaborate effectively and focus on practical solutions that would enhance the quality of training received by students.
He also urged delegates to take advantage of their stay to experience the peaceful and conducive learning environment offered by the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
The Vice-Chancellor thereafter welcomed all participants and wished them a successful and productive meeting.
Delivering his welcome address, The Director, FUOYE SIWES, Professor Wasiu Ademola Oyedokun-Alli, warmly received participants drawn from various tertiary institutions across the zone and described the meeting as a significant platform for advancing the objectives of the scheme.
The Professor of English and Applied Linguistics noted that the quarterly meeting provides an avenue for stakeholders to deliberate, evaluate and develop strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of SIWES, which he described as a critical bridge between classroom learning and practical industry experience.
According to him, SIWES remains a cornerstone in preparing students for the labour market by equipping them with the practical skills and competencies required for professional success.
The Director further stated that the gathering offered participants the opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges and collectively propose solutions that would improve the administration and implementation of SIWES across institutions.
He expressed confidence that deliberations at the meeting would be productive and impactful, noting that delegates from 23 institutions within the zone were in attendance.
The SIWES Director also commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Akure Area Office, for its continuous support, guidance and commitment to the success of the programme, describing its partnership as invaluable to sustaining the objectives of SIWES.
Also Speaking at the meeting, the Area Manager Industrial Training Fund, (ITF), Mrs Grace Ajagbe conveyed the goodwill of the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Nigeria, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun expressed delight at receiving delegates from various institutions across the two states.
He recalled that the previous zonal meeting was held about two months ago at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, noting that the gathering in FUOYE provided another opportunity for stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the scheme and chart a way forward.
According to her, the primary objective of the quarterly meeting is to bridge gaps within the administration of the SIWES programme and strengthen collaboration among institutions for improved service delivery.
She noted that the regular meetings enable directors and coordinators to come together, exchange ideas and collectively address challenges confronting the scheme.
She further emphasized the need for continued institutional support for the scheme to achieve its objectives.
Mrs Ajagbe equally commended all SIWES Directors and Coordinators in the zone for their dedication and commitment to the progress and development of the programme.
In his appreciation message, the Deputy Director, Engr. Olugbenga Akinlolu appreciated the University Management team under the leadership of Prof Ogunwole for their support to the SIWES, and all appreciated the ITF staff from Akure and all directors and coordinators for being part of the meeting
Speakers at the meeting collectively commended the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, for his visionary leadership, unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the University’s SIWES Unit.
They noted that his approval, encouragement and institutional backing was instrumental to the successful hosting of the 2026 Second Zonal Quarterly Meeting, while also acknowledging his continuous efforts in creating an enabling environment for the effective implementation of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and the advancement of practical, industry-oriented education in the University.
Present at the meeting were; SIWES officer, Mr Olorunfemi Olamide; Assistant SIWES Accountant, Mr Ajayi Oluwaseun; Assistant SIWES Officer, Mr Fabamise ADEDEJI, Administrative Officer, Mr Adaramola Tayo. : Dr. Reginald Umunakwu, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Engineering, FUOYE, John Ahmed, Represented the Dean of Environmental and Design Science, FUOYE, Mrs Weya-Ajayi, F.O, Mrs Daramola, G.B and among others
Photo credit: Bamidele Eleniola
