We’ve gained hands-on experience — UNILORIN SWEP students

***Install signage, directional pole

By Mustafa Abubakar and Cecilia Samuel

The 634 students across 10 Departments of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ilorin, who are participating in the 2025 Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP) have disclosed that the programme has given them hands-on experience.

Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin last Tuesday (November 18, 2025), the leader of the programme, Titiloye Olanrewaju Abdulquadri, who also disclosed  that the group executed practical projects, described the experience as more than just a course.

“SWEP is not just a course; it is a moment of experience, a moment of discipline. We really appreciate the knowledge and skills we gained while creating and installing the signage and directional pole, which will guide students and visitors across the Faculty,” he said.

He said that during the nine-week programme, students carried out a variety of projects, which include general projects such as the repair of chairs in the New Engineering Lecture Theatre (NLT), using iron rods, provision of additional chairs for the New Graphics Hall (NGH), and repair of  27 chairs and two tables from the University Library, as well as repair and repainting of the  Faculty Library as well as using paint produced by the students themselves.

Beyond furniture and signage, he said that the project included producing interlocking blocks, drainage filling near the NLT, and pothole fixing at the University Staff Quarters to ensure smooth movement within the campus.

Abdulquadri said, “Students were also trained in vertical farming and the fabrication of simple farm tools, gaining practical skills from multiple Engineering disciplines, including Chemical, Electrical, Civil, and Food Engineering.”

Reflecting on the personal gains from the programme, Abdulquadri said, “As a Chemical Engineering student, I gained experience from Electrical and Food Engineering. Now I can produce yogurt, bake cookies, repair electrical appliances like sockets or irons using PCB skills, and handle concrete mixing. We gained valuable skills from every unit we visited.”

He also emphasised the importance of focus, discipline, and determination for future SWEP participants.

Regarding materials, Abdulquadri explained that while Accoboard was purchased, the design and assembly of signage were done by the students themselves.

“The metal components and castings were produced by SWEP students in the Metal and Machine Fabrication (MMF) unit, demonstrating technical skill and teamwork,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the University, noting that SWEP combines technical projects with social activities, including football matches and other community engagement events.

“All projects were primarily funded by the students themselves, with over 600 participants contributing to the success of exhibition projects, ensuring that their efforts were meaningful and recognised,” he added.

In his remarks, the SWEP Coordinator, Dr Ibrahim Hassan Kobe, praised the programme for providing practical knowledge that complements classroom theory.

He highlighted that students visited nine engineering units, including Biomedical Engineering, Metal and Wood Finishing/Welding, and Laundry units, gaining interdisciplinary skills and fostering collaboration across departments.

Dr Ibrahim said,“SWEP is an integral part of Engineering education. The students’ performance, both in practical work and assessments, has been outstanding. We are grateful to the Dean, the technologists, and everyone who contributed to the success of this programme.”

He said that SWEP 2025 is a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and practical skills of UNILORIN Engineering students.

The Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Joshua Olaoye, while appreciating the students, commended them for their impressive performance and discipline throughout the programme.

He described SWEP 2025 as a demonstration of the Faculty’s commitment to producing competent and industry-ready engineers.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of projects, especially the newly installed signage and directional pole, and applauded the students’ creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving ability.

The Dean also acknowledged the technologists and coordinators for their guidance and encouraged continued institutional support to further enhance practical training in future editions.

With the completion of SWEP 2025, the participating students leave behind visible contributions, directional poles, repaired facilities, improved infrastructure, and new skillsets reflecting the essence of the programme: learning by doing, building by teamwork, and applying Engineering knowledge to real-life challenges.