FUL Vice Chancellor Urges 300 Level Students to Take SIWES Training Seriously

Hundreds of students of the Federal University Lokoja gathered at the institution’s Felele Campus on March 4, 2026, for the 10th orientation programme of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme, a training designed to prepare students for industrial attachment.

The programme, organised for 300-level students, marked the official commencement of the annual industrial training exercise aimed at exposing undergraduates to practical workplace experience in their respective fields.

Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor Gbenga Solomon Ibileye urged them to take the scheme seriously, noting that the training would provide valuable hands-on experience needed for their future careers.

The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Jacqueline Badaki, encouraged the students to represent the university positively during their industrial attachment.

She expressed optimism that the students would return with success stories after completing their placements in various organisations.

In his welcome address, the Director of SIWES at the university Fabian Apeh Akpah described the training as significant for two reasons. According to him, the programme was the first orientation organised since Prof. Ibileye assumed office as Vice-Chancellor and also the first since his appointment as Director of the SIWES Directorate.

Prof. Akpah explained that the directorate plays a key role in coordinating the training programme and maintaining links between the university, the Industrial Training Fund, the National Universities Commission, and industries where students undergo practical training.

Also speaking at the event, a representative of the Industrial Training Fund Area Manager Napoleon Abba stressed that SIWES remains a crucial component of academic training for students in professional disciplines.

He told the students that the programme was not optional but an essential stage every graduate must pass through to gain industrial exposure and practical skills.

The event also featured a practical training session where officials of the Industrial Training Fund guided students on documentation procedures and expectations during the industrial attachment period.

University officials present included Registrar Rebecca Okojie, represented by Deputy Registrar Roseline Toluhi, Dean of Student Affairs Isa Yunusa, as well as deans, directors, heads of departments, SIWES coordinators, and staff of the SIWES Directorate. Representatives of the Industrial Training Fund, including SIWES officers and accountant Seriki Abdulhafis, also attended the orientation programme.