…..seeks alignment with 21st century workforce skills
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called for the creation of a practical checklist of expectations and skill requirements from industry partners participating in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
Prof. Egbewole made the call while receiving representatives of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) before the stakeholders’ meeting jointly organised by the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)/Centre for Research, Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) held at the University Auditorium last Wednesday (July 2, 2025).
The Vice Chancellor said that such efforts would help to guide and align the training of students with the demands of the 21st-century workforce.
Prof. Egbewole emphasised the need for stronger coordination among academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to produce workplace ready graduates.
“While we appreciate the partnership we enjoy with employers and industry players, there is a critical need for clarity”, the Vice Chancellor said.
He added, “Our students go to these industries for internship, but do we have a checklist that clearly outlines what skills we expect them to acquire? This should include the essential 21st-century skills that industries require.”
Prof. Egbewole pointed out that although the ITF and several employers have shown commendable support in training students, the lack of structured expectations sometimes leaves gaps in student outcomes.
“Some of our industry partners have drawn our attention to this. They are training our students effectively, but we as a University must also define what we want them to come back with. This way, the partnership becomes more meaningful, and we can assess outcomes more strategically”, he said.
The Vice Chancellor stressed the need for capacity building, and proposed that institutions such as Olaiya Metal Works, which is expected to provide internship opportunities, should also define clear training outcomes.
He said,“We believe the collaboration between the University, the industry, and the ITF must be structured in a way that produces measurable value for our students”.
While appreciating the ITF, Prof. Egbewole noted that the partnership should not be limited but expanded further, adding, “We hope this relationship continues to grow stronger.”
The Vice Chancellor, who welcomed his guests, reiterated the University’s readiness to continue working closely with all partners for the improvement of industrial training outcomes.
“Once again, I thank all our stakeholders. Be assured that the University of Ilorin remains open and available to deepen this partnership for the benefit of our students”, Prof. Egbewole said.
Earlier in his introductory remarks, the Director of the SIWES Unit, Dr Rowland Kayode, who gave an overview of the session, noted that the purpose of the stakeholders’ meeting was to reflect on how SIWES can work more effectively on campus and resolve challenges associated with placements and student performance.
The Director said, “This is an important meeting to discuss how SIWES runs on our campus, how to get things done better, and to chart a way forward on all SIWES related matters.”
“We are honoured to have with us representatives from the Industrial Training Fund office, industry partners here in Ilorin, and even a representative from Lagos, which underscores the seriousness of this conversation”, he said.
He also mentioned that while some invited stakeholders were unable to attend, the turnout reflected the genuine commitment of many to the success of the scheme.
Present at the event were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research,Technology and Innovation), Prof.Muhtar Adeiza Etudaiye; the University Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla; the University Librarian, Prof. Kamaldeen Tunde Omopupa; and the University Bursar, Mr Abiodun Lawal.
