Engineering Faculty charges students on practical skills acquisition
By Mustafa Abubakar
The Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, has held its 2026 Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP) Orientation, where students were charged to embrace practical learning as an essential component of their Engineering education.
The annual orientation, held last Monday (August 3, 2026), at the New Engineering Lecture Theatre I (NELT I), brought together members of the Faculty management, academic staff, technical personnel and students.
In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Joshua Olanrewaju Olaoye, described the Students’ Work Experience Programme as one of the most important components of Engineering education because it bridges the gap between classroom instruction and practical application.
He explained that the Faculty remains committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but who also possess the technical competence, problem-solving ability and professional ethics required to thrive in an increasingly competitive global engineering environment.
The Dean further urged the students to regard the SWEP exercise as an opportunity to develop creativity, innovation and critical thinking, rather than merely fulfilling an academic requirement.
He advised them to be punctual, inquisitive and safety-conscious throughout the programme while learning from experienced professionals.
Prof. Olaoye also reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for quality Engineering education through improved laboratories, industry collaboration and practical training capable of producing graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national development.
Delivering a goodwill message, Prof. M. O. Sunmonu encouraged the students to take advantage of every learning opportunity provided through SWEP.
He stressed that Engineering education goes beyond theoretical knowledge, noting that innovation, teamwork, professionalism and continuous learning are indispensable qualities for every successful engineer.
Also speaking, the Sub-Dean of the Faculty, Dr Mary Ajala, welcomed the students and described the orientation as an important foundation for the SWEP exercise.
She urged participants to approach the programme with discipline, commitment and a willingness to acquire practical knowledge that would complement their classroom learning and prepare them for future professional responsibilities.
Speaking on the topic, “The Importance of SWEP in Engineering Education: Bridging Classroom Knowledge with Practical Engineering and Digital Skills,” the Deputy Director of Laboratory Services, Dr Mustapha Ndagi, emphasised that modern engineering practice requires graduates who possess both technical expertise and digital competencies.
He encouraged the students to maximise the opportunities provided by SWEP to gain practical experience, improve their technical proficiency and familiarise themselves with emerging technologies shaping the Engineering profession.
The SWEP Deputy Coordinator, Mr Olatunji Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the Faculty management, guest speakers, academic and technical staff, as well as the students, for their active participation and support.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the SWEP Coordinator, Dr H. K. Ibrahim, explained the expectations of participants, safety guidelines, code of conduct and assessment procedures before leading an interactive question-and-answer session during which students sought clarification on various aspects of the programme.
