PANKSHIN — The Federal University of Education, Pankshin (FUEP), has hosted its Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Orientation Programme for B.Ed and NCE students preparing to commence the practical phase of their academic programmes.
The orientation was organised to equip students with the knowledge, skills and professional conduct required for their industrial and workplace attachments.
Speaking at the programme, the Vice Chancellor of FUEP, Prof. Noel Nenman Wannang, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Anthonia Chukwu, stressed the importance of SIWES in bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience.
The Vice Chancellor noted that academic knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in an evolving employment environment, describing SIWES as an important platform for students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical skills.
He urged the students to approach the programme as more than a graduation requirement, encouraging them to use the opportunity to develop technical competencies, professional discipline, problem-solving abilities and entrepreneurial skills that could enhance their future employability.
Earlier, the Director of SIWES at FUEP, Dr. Adenike Seyi Odewumi, welcomed the University management, external delegates, staff and students to the orientation.
Dr. Odewumi outlined the behavioural and professional expectations of students during the training period and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the University.
She emphasised the importance of diligence, punctuality, discipline and adherence to workplace ethics, noting that students’ commitment to these principles would contribute significantly to the success of their industrial attachment.
The programme also featured an official delegation from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), led by the ITF Area Manager, Mrs. Bolanle Yusuf, who was represented by Mr. Malachi Chukuka.
Other members of the ITF delegation included the SIWES Accountant, Mr. Usaku Wadumbiya, and SIWES Officers, Mr. Christopher Audu and Mr. Nanzing Durfa.
In his address on behalf of the ITF Area Manager, Mr. Chukuka commended the FUEP administration for maintaining a strong working relationship with the Fund.
He assured the University management, staff and students of the ITF’s continued commitment to providing regulatory support, supervision and logistics necessary for effective orientation and placement of students under the SIWES programme.
Also speaking, the Head of Resource Assessment Team and SIWES Director at the University of Jos, Prof. David Longwap Wonang, reflected on the growth of the institution and emphasised the importance of maintaining high educational standards.
Prof. Wonang, who is a former Provost of the institution, urged students and programme organisers to uphold integrity, accountability and quality control throughout the SIWES process.
He noted that maintaining such standards was essential to preserving the value and credibility of the students’ academic qualifications.
The orientation featured technical presentations and instructional sessions facilitated by ITF representatives and University coordinators.
Topics covered included SIWES logbook documentation, workplace safety regulations, reporting procedures and evaluation criteria, among other requirements for successful participation in the programme.
In a vote of thanks, the Registrar of FUEP, Mr. Longtong Godwill Yadok, expressed appreciation to the University management, ITF delegation, the University of Jos Resource Assessment Visitation Team and the FUEP SIWES Directorate for their contributions to the success of the orientation.
The ITF delegation and the University of Jos Resource Assessment team also paid courtesy visits to the Vice Chancellor in his office before the commencement of the orientation programme.
The SIWES orientation was organised as part of preparations for students’ practical vocational and technical exposure, in line with the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 academic session.