Welcome Message from the Director

I am delighted to welcome you to the student SIWES Program at BHU. SIWES is a skill’s development programme initiated by the industrial training fund (ITF) in 1973, to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing platform to apply knowledge learnt in school during their course of study to real-world applications.

As the Director of SIWES, it is my pleasure to invite you to participate in this program that goes beyond the classroom, bridging the gap between employers’ expectations and actual performance of student/Nigerian graduates.

The SIWES Directorate is a strategic office in the university saddled with the responsibility of facilitating actions necessary for your engagement in practical trainings in fields related to your various discipline at industrial scale.

The scheme also affords you the opportunity of familiarizing and exposing you to the needed practical experience in handling equipment and machinery that are usually not available in the institution, thereby enabling you to explore your chosen field within real world setting.

I encourage you to immerse yourself in this training and internship as well as workshop/seminars during the program, as the experience and connections you make during networking events will serve as a valuable asset as you navigate your path of proficiency. Kindly make use of this great opportunity, be open to learning new ideas, make enquiries, ask questions and absorb as much as you can from your experience. The skills you acquire during SIWES can distinguish you in the competitive job market.

I look forward to witnessing your growth and progress throughout the SIWES program. Feel free to contact our dedicated team if you have any inquiries or need guidance along the way.

Our appreciation goes to stakeholders, national university commission (NUC), industrial training funds (ITF), various organizations and industries (employers) whose collaboration has made SIWES a memorable one.

The SIWES journey will be a transformative one as we work together.

Best wishes

Ishegbe Joyce Eko (Ph.D)

Director

About SIWES

The Industrial Training/Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme, (IT/SIWES) is a unit under the Vice-Chancellor's office. SIWES is the accepted training programme, which is part of the approved Minimum Academic Standard in the various degree programmes for all Nigerian Universities. The scheme is a tripartite programme involving the students , the universities and the employers of labour. It is a Skill’s Training Programme designed to bridge the gap between students of Universities, Polytechnics/Colleges of Technology/Colleges of Technology/ Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of Education for the Industrial Work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. The scheme also affords students the opportunity of familiarizing and exposing themselves to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that are usually not available in their institutions.

SERVICES/ACTIVITIES OF THE DIRECTORATE

  • • Identify placement opportunities for intending siwes students and other SIWES related functions
  • • Organise orientation Programmes for students to prepare them for industrial training. An ITF representative may be invited to give a talk to the students during the orientation programme.
  • • Place students on attachment with employers
  • • Work out industrial tailored -made programmes with the employers-based supervisors o the national industrial training guidelines for each course
  • • Supervise students on attachment and sign their log books. This task is jointly carried out with the representatives of participating faculties and departments
  • • Assess students’ performance and award grads accordingly
    • i. Prepare and submit master and placement lists to the SIWES coordinating agencies (NUC and ITF) and to also submit completed ITF Form 8 to the ITF at the end of the programme.
    • ii. Submit comprehensive reports on the Scheme to the ITF after the programme.

VISION AND MISSION OF THE DIRECTORATE

Vision: Our vision is to be regarded as the principal directorate in the university that helps in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, as well as employers’ expectations and actual performance of our students.

Mission: Our mission is to empower students with practical experience and industry-relevant skills through strategic partnerships, mentorship, and attachment opportunities, to enhance their employability and career prospects.

KEY BENEFITS OF SIWES

(i) For Students

  • Practical Skills Development: SIWES provides hands-on experience in their field of study, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and develop essential skills.
  • Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap: The program helps students understand the practical application of their studies and see how theoretical concepts translate into real-world scenarios.
  • Improved Confidence and Maturity: Interacting with professionals and navigating the work environment during SIWES builds confidence and maturity in students.
  • Enhanced Employability: Exposure to the workplace during SIWES makes students more competitive in the job market, as they gain valuable experience and demonstrate practical abilities.
  • Career Guidance: SIWES can help students discover their interests, explore different career paths, and make informed decisions about their future.

(ii) For Universities

  • Improved Curriculum Relevance: SIWES feedback can help universities refine their curriculum to better align with industry needs and prepare students for the workforce.
  • Enhanced Reputation: Universities with successful SIWES programs are often viewed as more practical and relevant, attracting prospective students.
  • Stronger Industry Connections: The program facilitates collaboration between universities and industries, fostering valuable partnerships for research and development.

(iii) For Employers

  • Access to Skilled Workforce: SIWES provides employers with access to a pool of potential employees who have already gained practical experience and knowledge.
  • Contribution to National Development: Employers who participate in SIWES contribute to the development of a skilled workforce, supporting national economic growth.
  • Reduced Training Costs: Students participating in SIWES may require less on-the-job training, saving employers time and resources.

Contact Us

Email: bhusiwes@binghamuni.edu.ng

Phone: +2348035167209

Office: SIWES Directorate, Bingham University Campus