The History of SIWES in Nigeria

As a university student in Nigeria, especially those studying science/technology, you should know about SIWES. Why? Because it’s one of the most crucial programs in your course of study. And we’re not just talking about its full meaning, but also its history, aims and objectives, and impact on the educational system. Are you interested? Let’s go!

Meaning of SIWES

Student

Industrial 

Work

Experience 

Scheme

Whose genius idea was it?

In 1973, The Industrial Training Fund (I.T.F) established the SIWES program. In 1974, It was officially presented and approved by the Federal government. However, the ITF withdrew from the program due to financial constraints in 1978. So in 1979, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) took over the management of the program.

In November 1984, from the federal government, the management and implementation of SIWES were handed back to ITF. In July 1985, ITF officially took charge of the scheme while the federal government took care of the funds.

Why create SIWES?

Before the scheme was established, Nigerian industrialists expressed concerns that graduates lacked proper practical skills for employment in industries.

Furthermore, the theoretical aspects of education in universities didn’t match the requirements of employers in the labour market. So the industrialists called for the creation of a program that would allow students to garner the required practical skills they’d need to increase their chances of getting employed.

SIWES Objectives 

• The program prepares the students for the real-life situations they would face in the career world.

• Provides an avenue for students to acquire industrial skills for experience during their course of study

• Exposes students to work methods and techniques that may not be available during their course of study.

• Bridging the gap between theory and practice by providing a platform to apply knowledge learned in school to real work situations

• Enabling an easier and smoother transition from school by equipping students with better contact for future work placement

• Introduces students to a real work atmosphere so that they know what they would most likely meet once they graduate.

Importance of SIWES

Since its establishment, SIWES has

• Improved science and technology education 
• Increased employment opportunities in the science and technology sector
• Created a better standard of living
• Produced students with adequate practical skills in science and technology
• Opened doors to innovation in science and technology

Is SIWES for everyone?

No, below are the courses of study that are part of the scheme:

•  Natural sciences
• Engineering and Technology, Education
• Agriculture
• Medical Sciences
• Environmental, and pure and applied sciences. 

How long is the SIWES Program?

• For Polytechnic/Monotechnic/Colleges of Technology students – 4 months. 
• At end of the 1st year of the 2 years ND program.
• College of Education – 4 months. At end of the 2nd year of the 3 years NCE program.
• University – 3–6 months. End of the 200, 300, or 400 level of a degree program.

Note: Students in the preliminary classes and post-graduate students aren’t eligible.

The SIWES program’s time frame is similar to that of the IT (industrial training) program.

We hope you’ve learned a new thing or two about SIWES. 

If you’re currently undergoing your SIWES or you’re about to, check out how to write a good SIWES technical report.

We also have guides on how you can write an abstract, acknowledgement, and dedication to your SIWES report. Good luck and never stop learning!