By DAYO ADESULU
Vice-Chancellor urges SIWES coordinators to prioritize quality placements and effective supervision
Babcock University has called for greater commitment to quality industrial training as part of efforts to produce graduates equipped with practical skills for today’s competitive job market.
The institution’s President/Vice-Chancellor, Professor Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, made the appeal during the Second Quarter Zonal Supervisory Meeting of institutions participating in the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in Ogun State.
Represented by the Associate Vice President for Academic Planning, Professor Oludele Awodele, the Vice-Chancellor described SIWES as a vital link between classroom learning and workplace realities, stressing that industrial exposure remains essential to modern higher education.
According to him, academic excellence alone is no longer sufficient in a rapidly evolving global economy, noting that students must acquire practical workplace experience to remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Professor Ojewole stated that Babcock University has continued to strengthen its industrial training framework through strategic collaborations with reputable organizations, improved student placement processes, and deliberate preparation of students before they commence their attachments.
He explained that the university has invested in structured pre-internship programmes, mentorship initiatives, and monitoring systems designed to ensure students gain maximum value from their industrial training experiences.
The Vice-Chancellor challenged SIWES directors and coordinators attending the meeting to uphold high standards in the implementation of the scheme.
He emphasized that the success and credibility of SIWES depend largely on effective supervision, proper documentation, timely assessment of students, and strict compliance with operational guidelines.
Professor Ojewole warned against placing students in organizations that offer little or no meaningful learning opportunities, stressing that industrial training should go beyond mere fulfillment of academic requirements.
He also commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its continued support of tertiary institutions through policy guidance, training assistance, and regulatory oversight.
According to him, the agency’s contributions have played a significant role in enhancing graduate employability and strengthening industrial training programmes across the country.
The Vice-Chancellor urged participants at the meeting to ensure that discussions and resolutions reached translate into tangible improvements in students’ learning experiences and foster stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry.
Earlier, the Senior Vice President for Academic Administration at Babcock University, Professor Jonathan Nwosu, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the SIWES programme.
He noted that industrial exposure remains critical to preparing students for the realities of the labour market and pledged that the university would continue to meet all necessary requirements to guarantee the best opportunities for its students.
Speaking on behalf of the Industrial Training Fund, Ogun State Area Manager, Mrs. Bolanle Ajibade, expressed appreciation to Babcock University for hosting the meeting.
She noted that the gathering provides an important platform for higher institutions across Ogun State to review the implementation of SIWES, identify challenges affecting the programme, and develop practical solutions aimed at improving outcomes for students.
The meeting brought together SIWES coordinators and stakeholders from various tertiary institutions across the state to discuss strategies for strengthening industrial training and enhancing the quality of graduate workforce preparation in Nigeria.
