On Friday, 1st September, 2023, the student’s industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) orientation exercise was held at the Prof. A. C Unomah Auditorium, in the College Premises. The SIWES orientation exercise is held every session to equip the students with the necessary information to carry out a successful Industrial Training (IT) programme.
Industrial Training Fund (ITF) officials were at the College to instruct the students on what they need to know about the IT programme. The ITF team was led by Mr. Victor Igbi, who represented the Area Manager, Mrs. Stella Onyeka. Upon the arrival at the College, they paid a courtesy visit to the College Management, and they were warmly received by the Acting Provost, Dr. (Mrs.) Fidelia Ighrakpata and other Management staff. After the warm reception by the Management, the Acting Provost wished them a fruitful deliberation with the students.
While addressing the students at the orientation, the Acting Provost in her opening remarks advised the students to take the exercise seriously as theory and practice must go hand in hand not just for development but for survival.
The College SIWES Director, Dr. (Mrs.) Mabel Ewubare stated in her address that the purpose of the establishment of the programme was to address growing concern of graduates of higher institutions who lacked adequate practical knowledge, and that the theory aspect of higher institution learning does not meet up with the demands of employers of labour. She mentioned the 3 tiers of the programme: the students, the institutions and the industries ( employers of labour), stating the role of each tier. She advised the students to take the exercise seriously, so as to pass it otherwise, face the possibility of a carry over.
The SIWES training was given by Mr. Manuel Enajero, an ITF official who gave an overview of the IT programme, and the code of conduct of an IT student. Also Mrs. Faith Uyi, the SIWES accountant from ITF educated the students on the financial aspect of the programme and other areas of concern.
Others present at the orientation were the Registrar, Mr. Joe Afure; the College Librarian, Dr. Nelson Edewor; Dean of Vocational and Technical Education, Mr. John Iteku; Director Entrepreneurship, Dr. (Mrs.) Winifred Okpetu; Director Weekend NCE Unit, Dr. (Mrs.) Ereforo Duvwarovwo; Director Academic Records, Dr. Gideon Okurumeh, and other lecturers who are part of the IT programme.
At the end of the orientation exercise, Dr Martin Otuedor, the College SIWES coordinator, while giving the closing remarks, appreciated the ITF officials for their commitment towards the SIWES programme. He also thanked everyone who has made the exercise successful.