NUC Commends FUHSO on Strong SIWES Implementation After Verification Exercise

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has expressed satisfaction with the implementation and rapid development of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), following a resource verification exercise conducted at the institution’s take-off campus on April 10, 2026.

The verification exercise was carried out by a team from the NUC led by Mr. Anavhe Emmanuel and Mrs. Hindu Kabir Muhammed. The team undertook a detailed assessment of the university’s human and material resources dedicated to the SIWES Directorate, with the objective of strengthening compliance, regularizing the programme, and ensuring that students gain relevant industry-based experience that bridges the gap between theory and practical application.

The Acting Director of SIWES, Dr. Andrew Ichoga, described the exercise as a milestone achievement for the university, noting that the programme has been successfully integrated into the institution’s academic structure since inception. He said the university has remained consistent in aligning with its guiding principle of bridging theory and practice, adding that management support has enabled effective student placement in relevant industries to enhance employability outcomes. He further noted that the verification would support the institution’s efforts to regularize its operations with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), including ensuring proper entitlements for both staff and students.

Presenting the findings of the exercise, Mr. Anavhe Emmanuel commended FUHSO for its hospitality, documentation standards, and the engagement of its students, which he described as impressive. He observed that the students demonstrated strong potential and that the institution had recorded notable progress within a relatively short period of one year since approval of the programme. He added that while the overall performance was commendable, some administrative and technical gaps were identified for improvement in line with global best practices, particularly as the university transitions to its permanent site.

He stressed that the exercise was not intended as a fault-finding mission but as a peer-review mechanism aimed at strengthening institutional capacity. According to him, the level of preparedness and commitment demonstrated by the university was encouraging for a young programme.

Responding on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Friday Godwin Okibe, assured the NUC delegation that management had taken note of the recommendations and would act on them promptly. He added that plans were already underway to upgrade facilities as the university prepares to relocate to its permanent site, while also strengthening partnerships with relevant industries through formal Memoranda of Understanding.

The Registrar, Mr. Michael Okoko Ogiji, and the Bursar, Dr. Paul Hassan Akpa, also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustaining its relationship with the NUC and other regulatory bodies. They expressed confidence that the outcome of the verification exercise would further strengthen FUHSO’s standing as an emerging centre of academic and professional excellence.

Other senior officials present included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Mrs. Cecilia Ojabo; Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Jeremiah Oloche; Dean of Science, Dr. Ogar Ekerigwe; Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Peter Adikwu; as well as heads of departments and members of the university’s information unit.