By Mustafa Abubakar
The 200 level students of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, currently undergoing the Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP), have described their exposure to the backend of power generation as a rare, firsthand insight into how electricity reaches homes moving beyond being mere consumers to witnessing the entire process of power supply.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin penultimate Tuesday (August 12, 2025) at one of the University’s distribution transformer stations, while undergoing field training as part of SWEP’s practical exposure, they expressed appreciation to the University and the Faculty for the knowledge imparted in them.
“We have seen the backend of power generation from construction to transmission and then distribution,” they affirmed.
Miss Munirat Anjolaoluwa Fagbo, a 200 Level Civil Engineering student, described the experience as both “interesting” and “enlightening.”
She said, “Even though I am in Civil Engineering, they are actually taking us through different departments. Today we learnt about Electrical Engineering how electricity is transmitted to different homes, and the different forms of electricity. It has been enlightening, and I will make use of all the information the lecturers have given me wisely.”
For Ibrahim Azeez Charity, a 200 level student of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, the programme provided a new perspective.
“Before, we only saw electricity from the consumer end we just received the power,” he said, adding,“It’s been interesting so far, seeing the different units we have covered. This is Unit 5. We started from the Foundry Unit, then went to others including plumbing and bricklaying, and now we are in electrical power. Seeing the backstage process from construction to transmission and distribution has been really interesting’’.
He added that “although the field I am really interested in is telecommunications, this still connects because similar construction processes are involved in power distribution. We have learnt the theory; now we are doing the practical. I am going to put in my best, and even if I do not work for the University in the future, I will remain a good ambassador for what the School has taught me.”
Miss Ruqoyyah Omowumi Adebolu, a 200 level Chemical Engineering student, also found the training as eye opening.
“This experience has opened my eyes to the fact that Engineering is interconnected. Even though my field is Chemical Engineering, learning about the electrical aspect from transformers to distribution has given me a broader understanding. It’s a knowledge I can apply in real life problem solving,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chief Technologist in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Engr Basheer Olalekan Ariyo, explained that the students were being taken through feeder station operations to the distribution transformer station.
He said, “We teach students how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed,” adding, “We also introduce them to a typical transformer, its operation, cooling process and to the feeder pillar, which is the last unit. It’s a rectangular box containing conductor bars that supply different areas and apartments. This way, they can physically learn the components of both a transformer and a feeder pillar.”
Engr Ariyo noted that the training was crucial in preparing students for future roles.
According to him,“These students will go on to work in various organisations, including electricity distribution companies. The practical experience they have gained will aid them in discharging their responsibilities effectively, adding to the integrity of the University of Ilorin.’’
He also emphasised the need to expose students to various types of energy generation.
“One of the things we have introduced them to is renewable energy generation. They can even develop ideas on how the University’s energy needs can be met through renewable systems they have learnt about,” he stated.
Advising the students, Engr. Ariyo said: “They should lower their wings so they can learn. Having a B. Eng. certificate is not enough if you cannot synchronise theory with practical experience, you are only half-baked. Solving national problems requires merging theory with practice.”
