Be good UNILORIN ambassadors, Egbewole urges SIWES trainees

As some students of the University of Ilorin are being dispatched to various industries and other places for participation in the mandatory Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has admonished the concerned students to be good ambassadors of the University.

Prof. Egbewole, who spoke through the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Management Services), Prof. Suleiman Folorunsho Ambali, gave this advice last Wednesday (February 21, 2024) at the 2023 SIWES Pre-Placement Orientation Programme held at the University Main Auditorium.

The Vice Chancellor, who reiterated the importance of SIWES programme, encouraged the students to take the training seriously, adding that the initiative was in line with his Vision 1:10:500.

The Vice Chancellor said, “As you are going for the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in various places across the country, you are expected to acquire additional knowledge and skills in addition to what you have acquired in the classroom. You will have a lot of practical experience, which is capable of adding value to you and your chosen career. If you maximize your potential during the SIWES exercise, you will not regret your actions”.

Prof. Egbewole therefore urged them to sow very good seeds today, so that they can have a   proper harvest in the future.

He assured the students that his administration will not relent in its efforts at providing necessary solutions to some of the challenges raised by the Director of SIWES, stressing that the SIWES Unit is an  integral part of vision 1:10:500 of the present administration.

In his remarks, the Director of SIWES, University of Ilorin, Prof. Rowland Monday Kayode, disclosed that about 4000 students of the University cutting across twelve Faculties will undergo training in different parts of the country, and of this year. He admonished the concerned students to be punctual, hardworking, humble, respectful and responsible at their places of industrial training.

The Director stressed that SIWES Unit is working hard towards evolving new strategies to source industrial training placement for University of Ilorin students in top and relevant industries in Nigeria and abroad, adding that the work experience and contact students made during the programme will better place them for job placement after graduation.

Prof. Kayode  also explained that the process of creating SIWES sub-domain on the portal for students online registration activities and other SIWES operations is ongoing. He said, “We have contacted and are working with the Director of COMSIT on how to get it done within the shortest possible period, pointing out that this process will add great value to our University as he appealed to the University management to support it to achieve this feat.

The Director appreciated the Vice Chancellor for his usual support towards the SIWES Unit as he also applauded the support and cooperation of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Prof. Kayode, however, pleaded with the Federal Government and the ITF to ensure the prompt release of SIWES supervisory allowances and all outstanding students allowances to ensure the success of this laudable programme.

On his part, the  Area Manager of the Industrial  Training Fund (ITF), Ilorin, Mrs Quadri Temitayo, who was represented at the event by Alhaji Rauf Sule, the Head of Training at the Area Office, counselled students to pay adequate attention to the training given to them in the course of the industrial attachment.

She also urged them to ensure total commitment and dedication as well as obeying the laid-down rules and regulations of employers they are attached to.

The Area Manager also reminded the students that the era of seeking jobs is becoming old -fashioned. Hence, students on their parts must think outside the box and prepare themselves very well for life after graduation. “Our nation, Nigeria, is looking for jobs creators not job seekers”, he concluded.

In his goodwill message, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olubunmi Abayomi Omotesho, advised students to utilise all opportunities grabbed during the SIWES training to add value to themselves and be law abiding.

Also speaking, the Registrar of the University of Ilorin, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, advised students to remain good ambassadors of the University and carry out their SIWES training diligently.

The Director of COMSIT, Prof. Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh, encouraged concerned students to be innovative thinkers and be capable of using their potentials to create good ideas that would be of benefit to themselves and humanity at large.