Babcock University Strengthens SIWES Programme to Boost Student Employability

Babcock University VC, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, highlights SIWES as a key bridge between theory and practice, stressing stronger supervision, industry partnerships, and graduate employability in Nigeria’s education system.

Vice Chancellor of Babcock University (BU), Ilisan, Ogun State Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, has emphasized the importance of internship and industrial training to Nigeria’s educational system, describing the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) as a critical bridge between theory and practice.

Speaking at the 2nd Quarter Zonal Supervisory meeting of SIWES participating institutions in Ogun State, Prof. Ojewole said the programme equips students with real-world skills, enhances employability, and prepares graduates to contribute effectively to national development.

Ojewole’s speech was delivered by the Associate Vice President, Academic Planning, Prof. Oludele Awodele

“In today’s competitive global economy, no academic programme is complete without structured industrial exposure,” he said.

He noted that Babcock University remains intentional in strengthening industrial training by expanding partnerships with reputable organizations, improving placement processes, and ensuring students are adequately prepared before deployment.

“We have also invested in structured pre-internship training, mentorship systems, and monitoring frameworks to ensure that students derive maximum value from their industrial experience,” he added.

The VC charged SIWES directors and coordinators present to remain committed to quality assurance. “The credibility of SIWES depends largely on effective supervision, proper documentation, timely evaluation, and strict adherence to operational guidelines. We must collectively ensure that students are placed in relevant organisations where meaningful learning can take place, rather than mere fulfilment of requirements,” Prof. Ojewole said.

He also appreciated the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its continuous support, coordination, and regulatory oversight.

“Your efforts in providing policy direction, training support, and institutional coordination have remained invaluable to the success of industrial training in Nigeria. We acknowledge your commitment and partnership in strengthening graduate employability,” he stated.

The VC urged participants to translate the meeting’s outcomes into improved student experience and stronger industry-academic collaboration.

Earlier, Senior Vice President, Academic Administration, Prof. Jonathan Nwosu, welcomed the team and thanked ITF for providing professional exposure that equips students for today’s labour market. “Babcock is committing everything to make sure we do not have any gap in any requirement to make sure our students get the best as they can get,” he said.

Responding, Ogun State ITF Area Manager, Mrs. Bolanle, expressed delight at being hosted by Babcock. “We must say we are delighted to be here this morning and we appreciate the effort this institution is putting in to ensure that a niche is set for the SIWES programme,” she said.

She explained that the coordinators’ meeting brings together all higher institutions in Ogun State to strategize, review challenges, and proffer solutions.