Bingham University Launches 2025/2026 SIWES with Orientation Programme, Emphasizes Industry-Ready Skills

Bingham University recently organized a comprehensive orientation programme for students participating in the 2025/2026 Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). The programme, coordinated by the Directorate of SIWES, brought together University management, officials of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), and participating students.

Declaring the programme open, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, emphasized the critical role of SIWES in producing competent, confident, and industry-ready graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. He described the orientation as a vital preparatory platform that equips students with practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional attitudes required for real work environment.

 He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to complementing classroom learning with hands-on training through sustained collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The Vice-Chancellor commended the Director of SIWES, Dr. Joyce Ishegbe, and her team for their dedication and effective coordination of the programme, and expressed appreciation to ITF officials from the Lafia Area Office for their continued partnership and commitment to student development. He urged students to take the orientation seriously, describing SIWES as an opportunity capable of opening new scenes for their future careers.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of SIWES, Dr. Joyce Ishegbe, stressed the importance of strong industry and academia collaboration in fostering practical skills development. She appreciated the University Management for their consistent support of the SIWES programme.

She charged students from the 22 participating departments to maximize the opportunity offered by SIWES by learning diligently, developing relevant skills, and representing Bingham University with integrity, discipline, and excellence wherever they are posted. She also called on all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the success of the 2025/2026 SIWES exercise.

Delivering the keynote address, the ITF Area Manager, Lafia Area Office,represented by Mrs Naanpoe Swatshak ,speaking on behalf of the Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, underscored the importance of SIWES as a critical bridge between academic learning and real-world application. He described the scheme as more than an academic requirement, but a vital stepping stone for students, institutions, and employers of labour.

According to him, SIWES enhances students’ employability by strengthening their résumés, building confidence, and exposing them to professional networks, while also helping institutions maintain curriculum relevance and strengthen industry linkages. He noted that employer’s benefit from access to fresh talent and innovative ideas, which can reduce recruitment costs and promote corporate social responsibility.

The ITF representative advised students to be punctual, proactive, respectful, safety conscious, and diligent in documenting their activities, while cautioning against unprofessional conducts that could undermine their reputation. He concluded by commending the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for SIWES and industry collaboration.

The event also featured the presentation of plaques to the Vice-Chancellor Prof,H.K Ayuba and the Registrar of Bingham University Mr.D.B Misal as well as souvenirs to SIWES officials.

The event was attended by principal officers of the University, Heads of Department, officials of the Industrial Training Fund, members of the SIWES Directorate, and participating students, further reinforcing Bingham University’s commitment to strengthening university and industry collaboration and producing well rounded graduates.