The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme is a national training program that helps students gain real practical experience in their field of study. For the scheme to run smoothly, several bodies work together to fund, coordinate and monitor the entire process.

These bodies include the federal government, the Industrial Training Fund, supervising agencies, tertiary institutions, employers and the students themselves. Each has specific responsibilities that ensure the training is effective and students receive the right exposure.

Below are the main bodies involved in managing SIWES and their roles.

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1. Federal Government of Nigeria

The federal government provides the legal and financial support needed for SIWES to operate across the country.

Key roles

• Provides funds to the Industrial Training Fund through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
• Directs ministries, parastatals and government agencies to create placement opportunities for students
• Ensures that national policies guiding SIWES are followed by all stakeholders

2. Industrial Training Fund (ITF)

The ITF is the main coordinating body for SIWES. It controls the administration, funding and nationwide supervision of the scheme.

Key roles

• Plans policies and guidelines for all participating institutions and employers
• Conducts research to improve the scheme
• Organizes orientation programs for students before posting
• Helps institutions and students identify suitable placement opportunities
• Processes master and placement lists from institutions
• Provides insurance cover for students on attachment
• Disburses stipends and supervisor allowances through electronic payment
• Supplies key documents such as ITF Form 8, SCAF and other administrative materials
• Sends ITF officers for supervision and monitoring
• Vets and processes student logbooks and forms

3. Supervising Agencies

These are the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing SIWES based on the category of institution.

• National Universities Commission (NUC) for universities
• National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for polytechnics and technical institutions
• National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) for colleges of education

Key roles

• Work with the ITF to implement federal government policies for SIWES
• Approve master and placement lists submitted by institutions
• Monitor job specifications and ensure minimum academic standards
• Ensure institutions have functional and accredited SIWES units
• Participate in conferences, seminars and reviews related to SIWES
• Research improvements that align SIWES with technological advancements

4. Institutions of Higher Learning

Institutions manage SIWES at the local level through their SIWES units or directorates.

Key roles

• Appoint SIWES coordinators and supporting staff
• Set up a dedicated SIWES office with proper staffing and funding
• Identify training placements for students
• Conduct orientation programs with the ITF
• Register students and collect their bank details
• Prepare and submit master and placement lists to the ITF through the supervising agency
• Collect and grade student logbooks and reports at the end of training
• Provide academic supervision and visit students during the attachment

5. Employers of Labour

These are companies, organizations and agencies that offer practical training to students.

Key roles

• Accept students for industrial training
• Allow students to access tools, facilities and real work tasks
• Appoint an industry based supervisor to guide the student
• Collaborate with institutions to create job specifications
• Complete assessment documents like ITF Form 8 and sign the logbook

6. Students

Students are the beneficiaries of the program and must follow all the rules set by the ITF and their institutions.

Key roles

• Attend orientation programs
• Report to their place of attachment promptly
• Be punctual, hardworking and obey workplace rules
• Avoid changing their place of attachment without approval
• Complete the Student Commencement Attachment Form and submit it through their institution
• Record daily activities in the logbook and complete all ITF forms
• Protect company property and maintain proper conduct throughout the training

Final Thoughts

SIWES works because different bodies coordinate their efforts to help students gain real industry experience. When each stakeholder performs their role, students enjoy a smoother placement process, better supervision and a well documented training experience.