Federal Polytechnic Bauchi Students Share Transformative Experiences from SIWES Program

Students of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi (FPTB) have shared insightful accounts of their hands-on experiences during the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), a vital program that bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. The four-month scheme, designed to equip students with real-world skills, has proven to be a transformative journey for many.

In an exclusive interview with GwalamejeNews, Usman Musa Danladi, a Civil Engineering Technology student, expressed how the program significantly improved his practical understanding of his field. "Some of the things I found difficult in class were actually simple in practice," Danladi shared, highlighting the value of hands-on experience in making complex concepts easier to grasp.

Danladi elaborated on the difference between classroom theory and real-world practice. "Many things I did in class were just theoretical, but when I got to the site, I gained a lot of practical experience. I have learned many things that are not theoretical but practical," he added. Despite the invaluable learning experience, Danladi mentioned transportation costs as a major challenge, spending N600 each day for the commute to his training location. However, he praised the supportive environment at his training site, noting that the department often refers to the students as "Future Engineers" and even helps with transportation fares at times.

Another student, Ibrahim Inusa Zakari, a Mass Communication student and Class Representative for ND2A, also shared his positive experience with the SIWES program. Zakari emphasized that the program has expanded his knowledge across both practical and theoretical aspects of his field. "To be honest, the SIWES program has increased my knowledge in both practical and theoretical aspects," Zakari said. He further explained that his training, which spanned several departments in his organization, had allowed him to gain valuable skills in news reporting, program production, and editing.

The shared experiences of Danladi and Zakari reflect the significance of SIWES in preparing students for their future careers. By offering them a platform to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, the program plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of professionals. As more students undergo this hands-on training, the impact of SIWES continues to resonate, empowering FPTB students to excel in their respective fields.