Bingham University recently hosted a 1-day capacity building training themed “Transforming SIWES: Building Capacity, Strengthening Foundations for Enhanced Performance” on Thursday, 4th June 2026 at the Centre for Innovation Entrepreneurship and Leadership Studies, Building, Karu, Nasarawa State.

Prof. Ayuba in his opening remarks described SIWES as “a vital bridge between theoretical knowledge in the classroom and practical, hands-on experience in the industry.” 

He argued that the scheme’s success depends on the capacity of staff who supervise, assess, and mentor students. “For us to transform SIWES, we must first invest in building the capacity of those who drive it, he said.

The Vice Chancellor outlined 5 focus areas for the training: Record Keeping and Documentation, Effective Supervision and Mentorship, Conflict Resolution and Communication, Digitalization of SIWES Processes, and Assessment and Feedback. 

Director of SIWES, Dr. Ishegbe Joyce Eko, welcomed departmental coordinators to the capacity building training, describing them as “frontline officers” whose work determines the quality of graduates, integrity of records, and reputation of the university before regulators.  Dr. Ishegbe said the training marked “a significant step in our collective commitment to strengthen the administration of the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme.”  

She reminded participants that the scheme is a statutory bridge between town and gown, mandated by ITF and NUC. “SIWES is not just a requirement for graduation. It is a statutory bridge between town and gown. The quality of our graduates’ practical skills, the integrity of our records, and the reputation of Bingham University before our regulators depend heavily on you,” she stated.  

Dr. Ishegbe noted gaps observed across departments: missing data, delayed submissions, unsubmitted logbooks, weak industry linkages, and informal handovers that “erode institutional memory.”  The theme “Transforming SIWES: Building Capacity, Strengthening Foundations for Enhanced Operational Performance” was, she said, “carefully chosen” to address those challenges. 

The training doubled as the launch of a new SIWES Standard Operating Procedure. Over the session, coordinators were equipped with practical tools on SIWES digitalization Effective communication strategies for SIWES engagement, Proper documentation and assessment for ITF/NUC compliance, Strategies for industry engagement Clear handover process to preserve student records.

The Industrial Training Fund, ITF Lafia Area Office, commended Bingham University for organizing a capacity building training for SIWES stakeholders, saying the initiative is “an investment in the quality of graduates and the competitiveness of Nigeria’s workforce.”  In a goodwill message delivered at the event, the ITF Lafia Area Office described the theme “Transforming SIWES: Building Capacity, Strengthening Foundations for Enhanced Operational Performance” as timely. 

Head of Training at ITF Lafia Area Office, Mrs. Na’anpoe Shwatsak, charged SIWES Coordinators and Supervisors at Bingham University to treat record keeping, reporting, and evaluation as the 3 non-negotiable pillars of a successful Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme. Records are your evidence, reports are your voice, and evaluation is your integrity,” she stated.   

Mrs. Shwatsak outlined best practices students and supervisors must follow and warned against common lapses: record activities immediately after completion, avoid falsification, keep records organized/chronological, and preserve supporting evidence.

Supervisors were told to grade students on accuracy of logbook entries, consistency of participation, ability to apply theory, communication skills, teamwork/professionalism, and adherence to safety regulations.

Other resources persons were Dr. I.I. Ewa wo identified 5 friction points: poor placement, poor supervision, allowance delays, mismatched expectations, bad assessment, while Dr. Gabriel O. Anyanwu Director of Advancement and Head of Biochemistry presentation tailored, Managing Student Supervision and Feedback for Optimal Performance and Director of ICT, Mr. Kunle Ifawoye made a presentation on Digitalization of the SIWES Processes.

The highlights of the training were the presentation of certificates to participating SIWES supervisors, coordinators and resource persons and group photo sessions.

The event had in attendance the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Director of Academic Planning, Dean of SPGS, Deans of Faculties, Directors, HODs, resource persons including Mrs. Naanpoe Shwatsak of ITF Lafia, Mr. Adamu Sanusi of ITF, Assoc. Prof. Gabriel Anyanwu, Dr. Inusa Ewa of Nasarawa State University Keffi, Mr. Kunle Ifawoye of Bingham ICT, departmental SIWES coordinators, members of the press, and other distinguished guests.

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Directorate of Public Affairs 

Office of the Vice-Chancellor 

Bingham University