By Bashir Dawodu
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has called on stakeholders involved in the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) to provide robust support and meaningful learning opportunities for students to help them thrive both during and after their academic journeys.
Prof. Egbewole made this appeal last Wednesday (July 2, 2025) in his remarks at the maiden edition of the SIWES Stakeholders’ Workshop jointly organised by the University’s SIWES Unit and the Centre for Research, Development and In-House Training (CREDIT) at the University Auditorium.
The Vice Chancellor urged employers and industry representatives to ensure that students receive hands-on training and access to real-world skills, rather than being sidelined during their placements.
“We can continue to expand together on what the students gain from the industry,” he said, emphasising the importance of providing enriching, skill-based experiences that will prepare students for life after graduation.
Prof. Egbewole reaffirmed the commitment of the University to supporting SIWES students during their placement and academic years, and urged the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), employers, and students themselves to actively contribute to the success of the scheme.
Also speaking, the Head of Training at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr Ibrahim Onipe, highlighted the crucial role of vocational training in national development.
“ITF was established to develop indigenous manpower through training. If you don’t train them, don’t blame them,” he said.
He underscored the value of retraining and continuous learning, describing them as essential to individual and societal progress.
Mr Onipe also outlined the objectives of SIWES, which include bridging the gap between classroom theory and industrial practice, exposing students to real-world equipment and methodologies, and preparing them for post-graduation employment.
He commended the University of Ilorin’s SIWES Unit for its organisational efficiency and commitment to discipline and timeliness in student training.
In his welcome address, the Director of the SIWES Unit, Prof. Rowland Kayode, emphasised that the workshop was aimed at fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
He revealed ongoing efforts to secure quality placement opportunities for University of Ilorin students, both locally and internationally.
Prof. Rowland praised employers who have provided over 250 new placement slots for Unilorin SIWES students, including accommodation and stipends.
The Director also expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, the ITF, and all industry partners for their unwavering support.
Representatives of various companies in attendance reiterated their dedication to training students for a better future.
They also appealed to the ITF to review and possibly increase the stipends given to SIWES students.
Employers present at the event included the Chief Executive Officer, Adefila and Partners (Estate Surveyors and Valuers), Mr Segun Adefila; the Director, Stone Empire, Mr Salman Toheeb Olayinka; the representative of Kam Industries Limited, Mr Awonusi Olumide; the representative of Item7, Mr Idris Abdulafeez; the representative of Lafiagi Sugar Company (LASUCO), Mr Awwal Onaolapo; the representative of Femtech, Mr Bello Abdulateef; the representative of Olaiya Metal Works, Mr Issa Abdulazeez; the representative of Code Squad, Mr Adekeye H.B; the representative of Agric Extension and Rural Development, Mr Dolapo T. A, and the representative of POLAR, Mr Abiodun Adam.
Highlights of the event included the donation of a 300-watt sound speaker to the University’s SIWES unit by Mr Segun Adefila of Adefila and Partners.
