UNILORIN SIWES holds orientation

The University of Ilorin Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Unit has held her annual SIWES pre-placement orientation program for penultimate students at the University auditorium, University of Ilorin.

The orientation program was an attempt to enlighten students on safety, log book filling and other necessary knowledge needed to embark on SIWES.

The program was introduced by the moderator who informed that “SIWES gives great opportunity to sharpen knowledge in various studies and the program is an annual occasion which is always done in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). ITF has been taking care of funds since 1973”.

The Director of SIWES, Unilorin; Dr. Wasiu Raji in his welcome address admonished that “SIWES is a mandatory skill acquisition program with the goal of bridging gap between class room and laboratory teachings and also expose students to machines unavailable on campus”.

He explained further that “about 4600 students from eleven faculties will undergo SIWES this year in companies across the country. Letters have been issued to students to introduce to various companies. The most effective start to building manpower and resources among graduate is to allow knowledge sharing and technology transfer between academia and industry."

The Director disclosed that his office would seek for placement in companies for students and work closer with the University’s Alumni Association to give priority to Unilorites when they come for SIWES.

The speaker acknowledged the cooperation of ITF and representatives of industries as well as the support from the Vice Chancellor and his administration.

He however sought the University’s help for a vehicle to aid coordinators’ supervision and urged students to uphold values like punctuality, respect among others at their SIWES.

The Vice Chancellor; Prof. Sulyman Age who was ably represented by the DVC Management Studies, Prof. Bolaji Ahmed explained that the “objective of the SIWES is to strengthen future employees. For several years, university directorate repeatedly presents students to companies all over the country”.

The speaker appreciated the great work of the SIWES Director and his predecessors who have upheld the integrity of the program and assured them support from the VC.

Mr. Simon Ogbonna; the area manager of ITF in his address appreciated the work of the management of the institution and stated the need to supervise the students on attachment. He solicited maximum support for the SIWES as it prepared students for future industrial work situation and admonished that “supervisory allowance would not be paid to unsupervised students”.

The speaker explained that SIWES is an opportunity to apply knowledge in real work situations bridging the gap between theory and practice. Also that “most students may not know what they are expected to do due to lack of proper orientation and it is pertinent to remind you all to be good ambassadors of the institution”.

Mr. Simon Ogbonna reminded that “Nigeria is looking for job creators not job seekers”.  He concluded with an urge for students to change their mindsets and take the program serious by using it to acquire right skills, abilities and competence.

The programme witness award presentation to ITF, Lubcon and Kamgroup by the VC’s representative.

The ITF head of training; Mr. Jibril spoke on the roles of bodies involved in management of SIWES and informed that the Federal Government allocates fund to ITF through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for the scheme as well as mandates employers to offer attachment.

The speaker explained that ITF is charged with formulation of policies and guidelines as they organize SIWES Orientation Program and also process master and placement lists from institutions among other functions.

Furthermore, he revealed that other bodies were involved in supervision (like NUC, NBTE and NCCE) and functioned to vet and approve master and placement list as well as organize orientation courses in collaboration with ITF.

The SIWES accountant; Mrs. Morounfade Shakira gave guidance on E-payment allowance and stated the importance of providing correct bank details.

A representative from Kamwire informed the nature of SIWES in Kam industries as they were interested in technical students. He concluded with the expectations from their companies to employees (students).

Mrs. Orji from the Human Resources Department, Lubcon talked on the procedure and allocation to departments in Lubcon. Safety hints were given by the state capital representative of Dangote flour mills.

The Director of SIWES unit gave general guidelines for writing industrial attachment report.