FUNAAB SIWES Stakeholders Move to Strengthen Industrial Training Operations
Philip22
The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) unit of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has held a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at improving coordination, efficiency, and accountability in the administration of the programme.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and Chairman of the SIWES Board, Prof. Olusegun Idowu, emphasized the need for timely payment processes and stronger collaboration among all participating stakeholders. He noted that delays in financial disbursement often affect the smooth execution of SIWES activities.
He highlighted the involvement of students, academic staff, and industry partners as central to the success of the scheme, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in managing funds allocated to student industrial training.
Prof. Idowu also commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, for what he described as a disciplined and prudent financial management approach that has strengthened institutional efficiency and distinguished FUNAAB among peer institutions.
He called for sustained cooperation among stakeholders and strict adherence to established guidelines governing the SIWES programme, expressing confidence that improved coordination would enhance overall performance and impact.
Earlier, the Director of SIWES, Prof. Oluwatoyin Afolabi, explained that the meeting was convened to address operational challenges and review stakeholder engagement structures. She noted that discussions also focused on post-COVID-19 adjustments and improvements in programme delivery.
She disclosed that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) remains a key partner in the SIWES framework, supporting its implementation across institutions.
Prof. Afolabi also recalled disruptions experienced during the 2020 academic cycle due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a shift from physical submission of documents to an online upload system. She added that the transition required extensive stakeholder training to ensure smooth adoption and effective implementation.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and improve the efficiency of the SIWES process within the university system.
