The University of Jos Directorate of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) has launched its 2022/2023 Orientation Programme.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya, stressed the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the program. Professor Ishaya encouraged students to respect all authority figures both within and outside the university.
“SIWES is an important programme that helps to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and to prepare students for the world of work. I urge students to be respectful and responsible during their SIWES placements.”. He said.
He further emphasized that they must protect their employers’ property and give a comprehensive account of their work experience, which will form a key part of their evaluation for graduation.
During her address, Professor Georgina S. Mwansat, Director of SIWES, expressed her delight at seeing such a sizable turnout for the 2022/2023 SIWES orientation titled “SIWES as a Tool for Leadership and Economic Empowerment”.
She emphasized the efforts the Directorate has made and will continue to make towards ensuring the scheme’s objectives are realized.
She also highlighted some of the recent successes of the Directorate due to the backing of the Vice-Chancellor, including maintaining high standards that has made the SIWES Directorate a benchmark for the entire country.
In her words “·just recenty, the NUC sent her team to the University of Jos for a pilot study and the SIWES Directorate was among the four Departments visited and the outcome of the visit shows beyond reasonable doubt that the SIWES Directorate University of Jos is up to standard and has become areference point not only within the zone but in the country at large.
“our students who are usually scattered all over the country for IndustrialTraining are duly supervised and staff DTA paid.
“The last SIWES outing, we produced a total of 1,956 students but this year, we have about 2200 students who are getting ready for the exercise come January 2024 God’s willing”.
Professor Mwansat further underscored the responsibilities of the students participating in the
Scheme, calling on them to uphold good behavior, care for equipment and facilities, and act as worthy ambassadors of the University.
The event’s chairperson, Professor Mariam Solomon, talked about the necessity of SIWES as it bridges the gap between academia and the industry and urged the students to seize this golden opportunity to develop themselves and prepare for their future careers.
The keynote speaker, Professor Pwaveno H. Bamaiyi, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, focused on the theme of the event, “SIWES as a Tool for Leadership and Economic Empowerment.”
He elaborated on the significant role SIWES plays in grooming future leaders and entrepreneurs by equipping students with practical skills and knowledge required in today’s economy.
“SIWES is a valuable programme that provides students with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in business and industry.” He noted.
Mr Joseph Kunle Bello from the industrial training Fund ( ITF),Jos Zonal Office, lectured the Students on the do’s and don’ts of the Scheme and explained the hands-on opportunities it would offer them post-graduation.
“SIWES is an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. I urge students to take advantage of this opportunity and to make the most of their SIWES placements.” He said.
