The Area Manager, Industrial Training Fund, Akure Area office, Mr. Oladimeji Gabriel has called on students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA proceeding on Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme, SIWES to strive to acquire skills that will give them edge over their counterparts in the labour market.
He made the appeal while addressing them during the orientation programme for the 2021-2022 session held on Thursday December 1, 2022. Oladimeji advised the students to focus on skill acquisition and methods of work that are not available in the curricula of the various institutions during the SIWES programme.
Mr. Oladimeji, a seasoned officer and veteran in industrial training matters, urged the students to comport themselves decently when they resume at their various places of work. He asked them to obey rules and regulations as well as observe the safety measure in organizations they find themselves. He advised that skill is the best way to achieve professionalism in present day Nigeria.
He further said no student who has a skill added to his or her discipline can ever go hungry. Oladimeji appreciated the Management staff of the University for its Support towards effective functioning of the SIWES unit and SIWES activities.
In a welcome address delivered earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development), Professor Philip Oguntunde expressed her delight at the SIWES orientation programme organized for 400 level students at the University by congratulating them and wishing them all the best in their future endeavours.
Professor Oladiji said that the orientation programme is a very important annual ceremony designed to sensitize prospective trainees on their upcoming Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). She added that the programme provides a veritable platform for interactions, exchange of ideas and discussions on SIWES related issues.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Industrial Trust Fund officers in the Akure Area Office on their cooperation and contribution towards the success of the annual programme.
Speaking relatedly the Assistant Chief Industrial Training Officer, FUTA Mr. Josiah Oluwalaanu said SIWES orientation is a program of the University organized by the Industrial Training Unit in partnership with ITF Akure area office to enlighten and educate intending I.T students before they are allowed to proceed on I.T in Industries and establishments relevant to their course of study within the country for a mandatory period of 6 months.
He said FUTA has been recognized by the various Industries and organizations in the country as a University that constantly sends out crop of students who are disciplined, dedicated to work and eager to learn. Appealing to the students he stressed that students should protect the name and image of FUTA by maintaining and if possible improve on the standard that has been set by their predecessors.
In a short remark the Dean, Student Affairs Division, Professor Olarenwaju Oke represented by Senior Assistant Registrar, Funmilayo Afolayan, said SIWES was introduced in Nigeria in 1973 to enable Undergraduate in Science and Engineering acquire practical skills needed to function satisfactorily in work settings.
Professor Oke said the philosophy and mandate of FUTA is to produce practical oriented graduates. He charged the students to seize the opportunity as SIWES enables the students to engage in the application of scientific knowledge to solve specific problems in the society. “SIWES helps students to update and master their skills, students are exposed to and made aware of new concept and latest technology” he said.
He thanked the Management for its unrelenting support at all times in ensuring that students participate in the scheme.
