REPORT ON THE STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) ORIENTATION PROGRAMME
Prepared by: Nwosu David Chimezie
Date: 31st March, 2026
Time: 11:25am – 2:57pm
Venue: Engineering Drawing Hall
Opening Session
The SIWES Orientation Programme commenced at 11:25am with opening prayer led by a SIWES Coordinator. The SIWES Director welcomed all students, SIWES Coordinators, and I.T.F Staff, and explained that the orientation was organized to guide students on the proper steps to take before, during, and after their Industrial Training (I.T). He stressed that following the correct process is key to having a successful SIWES experience.
Introduction of Officials
The SIWES director introduced the staff from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) who were present for the orientation. He then asked the various SIWES Coordinators from different departments to introduce themselves to the students. This was done to help students know the coordinators in charge of their units for easy communication during their placement.
Presentation by ITF Staff
The ITF staff gave a brief history of the SIWES programme. They explained that SIWES was established to bridge the gap between theory and practice in higher institutions by exposing students to real work environments. They also explained the importance of key documents that every student must handle correctly:
1. Form 8. This form has three segments that must be filled by the student, the organization where the student is on placement, and the students department. At the end of the SIWES programme, students must submit this form together with their duly filled and signed logbooks to the SIWES Unit.
2. SP-1 Form. This form is attached to the SIWES placement letter. The SP-1 Form serves as proof that the student has secured a place for Industrial Training. Without it, the placement cannot be confirmed.
3. E-Payment Form. This form requires the student’s bank details, sort code, students details, and details of the organization where the student is placed. The ITF staff stressed that the SP-1 Form must be attached to the E-Payment Form and submitted before the student proceeds on I.T. This is what enables payment of student allowance.
4. ITF SCAF Form. This is also known as the Commencement Form. The student must submit this form to the ITF office in the state closer to where they are doing their I.T. It must be submitted within two weeks after starting the Industrial Training.
5. Log Book: Students are expected to fill their log books properly and have it signed in the I.T.F office of the State where they do their I.T.
Question and Answer Session
After the ITF presentation, the SIWES Director opened the floor for questions. Students and SIWES Coordinators asked questions about issues like changing placement, deadline for form submission, how to correct errors on forms, and delay in allowance payment. The ITF staff and the SIWES Director provided answers and assured students that the SIWES Unit would assist them with any challenges.
Attendance
The orientation was well attended. A total of 27 SIWES Coordinators and over 220 students were present. The following departments were represented:
1. Civil Engineering
2. Urban and Regional Planning
3. Geography
4. Pharmacy
5. Hospitality and Tourism studies
6. Nutrition and Dietetics
7. Computer and Robotics Education
8. Agric Extension
9. Animal Science
10. Biochemistry
11. Electrical Engineering
12. HomeEeconomics Education
13. Mechatronics Education
14. Biomedical Engineering
15. Electronic Engineering
16. Agric and Biomedical Engineering
17. Mechanical Engineering
18. Home science and Management
19. Science Laboratory Technology
20. Computer/Statistics
21. Business Education
22. Animal Science
23. Combine Biological Sciences
24. Geoinformatics and Surveying
25. Library and information Science
26. Industrial Technical Education
27. Aquaculture and Marine Studies
28. Zoology
29. Food Science Technology
30. Computer Science
31. Architecture
32. Crop Science
33. Soil Science
34. Estate Management
35. Geology
36. Business Education
37. Home Economics and Hospitality Management Education
Closing
The SIWES Orientation ended at 2:57pm. The SIWES Director thanked the ITF staff, coordinators, and students for attending. He advised all students to take the information seriously, complete all forms correctly, and submit them on time to avoid problems during or after their training.
