FUNAAB Hosts 2025 SIWES 3rd Quarter Zonal Supervisory Meeting

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on September 10, 2025, hosted the 2025 Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) 3rd Quarter Zonal Supervisory Meeting, highlighting its commitment to producing employable graduates through robust industry-based training.

Declaring the meeting open on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, University Librarian Prof. Abayomi Owolabi emphasized the critical role of SIWES in equipping students with practical technical skills. He urged SIWES Directors across institutions to ensure students receive comprehensive training, stressing that graduates should not be blamed if the programme fails to achieve its objectives of fostering technical competence.

Prof. Owolabi further noted that industries are more willing to collaborate with universities when SIWES is effectively monitored and efficiently managed, reinforcing its importance to FUNAAB’s academic mission.

In her remarks, Area Manager of the Abeokuta Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mrs. Bolanle Ajibade, representing ITF Director Dr. Afeez Oluwatoyin, commended the Vice-Chancellor for his support and warmly welcomed participants. She lauded SIWES coordinators and officers for their dedication in bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. Mrs. Ajibade encouraged officials to share challenges encountered in the field, assuring that solutions would be sought for the benefit of students and institutions alike.

Earlier, the Director of SIWES at FUNAAB, Prof. Oluwatoyin Afolabi, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his consistent backing of the programme. She welcomed SIWES coordinators and officers from other universities, acknowledging their collective role in improving SIWES operations across higher institutions in Nigeria.

The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to review progress, exchange experiences, and strengthen collaboration, ensuring that SIWES continues to serve as a vital pillar in preparing students for the workforce.