ABU Vice-Chancellor Outlines Core Mission of SIWES at 2025/2026 Orientation Programme

The purpose of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is simply for students to learn skills and practicalise what they have learned in class, according to the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Adamu Ahmed.

Prof Ahmed spoke at the 2025/2026 SIWES orientation programme held at Yusufu Bala Usman Hall, Main Campus, ABU, Samaru, Zaria on Wednesday, 20th May, 2026. 

He was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof Bello Sabo. 

Ahmed emphasized the importance of SIWES as it would expose students to ideas and experiences that they might not get in the classroom.

He commended the University SIWES Coordinator, Prof Rabiu Nasiru, for organising the orientation as it would equip students with relevant knowledge to enable them to have a successful programme.

Ahmed, who encouraged the students to always be timely and disciplined, also urged them to strive to perform excellently at their chosen organisation.

While wishing them a fruitful SIWES, the Vice-Chancellor called on the students to project a positive image of the university wherever they found themselves.

In an opening remark, the University SIWES Cordinator, Prof Rabiu Nasiru, said the idea for the SIWES programme was to bridge the gap between what students learned in class and what was obtainable in the industry.

Prof Nasiru encouraged the students to pay attention, be humble, and ask questions so as to get the full experience and necessary knowledge.

He called on them to be diligent as it was part of their graduation requirements, saying that they would see a lot of the theories they had learnt in class practicalised.

Ibrahim Bulama, a representative of the Manager, ITF Area Office Kaduna, stressed the importance of SIWES as it would equip students with the skill of their trained program. 

He said the programme would expose them to industry work experience and machinery that might not be available in their school.

The Manager warned them to conduct themselves professionally and uphold the values of ABU and ITF, while not exposing themselves to harm.

There were technical sessions by staff of ITF who explained all processes and peculiarities of the programme as well as an interactive session with the students.