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Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, has hosted the third quarter plenary session of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Zonal Directors and Coordinators meeting.
The meeting which was held at the Directorate of Research and Development Board Room brought together SIWES Directors and Coordinators from tertiary institutions across the region to deliberate on strategies for strengthening the scheme and advancing its role in national development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman,who declared the meeting opened expressed delight at the University’s opportunity to host the strategic gathering, describing SIWES as a vital tool in bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry experience.
He emphasized that IBBUL remains committed to equipping its students with practical skills that extend beyond theoretical knowledge, stressing that the scheme has consistently prepared undergraduates for the realities of the modern workplace.
Professor Sulaiman further applauded the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and stakeholders for their dedication in ensuring that Nigerian students benefit from practical exposure, thereby enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the meeting was timely and essential in aligning institutional efforts with the national vision for human capital development.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations would not only strengthen collaboration among participating institutions but also foster innovation in SIWES administration while opening new opportunities for industry-academic partnerships.
Professor Sulaiman also urged participants to feel at home in Lapai, enjoy the university’s hospitality, and explore the host community.
In his opening remarks, the SIWES Coordinator of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Professor Aliyu Isyaku Ma’ali, welcomed participants and reflected on the significance of the quarterly Zonal Directors’ gathering.
He explained that the meeting serves as a platform for Directors to deliberate on key issues and challenges affecting the programme, while also providing an avenue to strengthen strategies for effective implementation.
Expressing his appreciation, the SIWES Coordinator commended the Industrial Training Fund, participating institutions, and stakeholders for their support and confidence in IBB University.
He assured that the University remained committed to providing the necessary guidance and collaboration to ensure that the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme continues to equip Nigerian students with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in the world of work.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Hafeez Oluwatoyin, commended the collective commitment of SIWES Directors, stakeholders, and industry partners to advance human capital development in Nigeria.
He described the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme as the nation’s premier platform for bridging the gap between academia and industry, noting that its remarkable success remains a product of strategic collaboration and dedication by participating institutions.
The Director-General highlighted the addition of El-Amin University, Minna, to the growing list of institutions implementing SIWES, describing it as a welcome development that reflects the scheme’s continuous expansion and relevance.
He further applauded the eleven participating institutions and industry partners who consistently open their doors to students, thereby shaping the future of Nigeria’s workforce.
Dr. Oluwatoyin emphasized that the quarterly zonal meeting was not just a routine gathering, but a strategic platform to review progress, address challenges with solution-driven approaches, and chart new pathways for greater impact. He reaffirmed ITF’s commitment to enhancing industry engagement, expanding placement opportunities, and strengthening the scheme through innovative interventions that address emerging workforce needs.
While urging participants to view SIWES as a vital tool in producing work-ready graduates, he challenged institutions to sustain stronger industry-academia partnerships that would empower the next generation of world-class professionals.
The Director-General concluded by expressing optimism that the deliberations would yield transformative ideas, deepen collaboration, and ultimately contribute to shaping the destiny of Nigeria’s workforce and the future of the nation.
In his closing remarks, the Registrar and Secretary to Council of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, expressed profound appreciation to the participants for choosing IBB University as host for the third quarter SIWES Zonal Directors’ meeting.
He noted that the University felt deeply honoured by their presence and highlighted the seriousness with which the Management prepared for the event, stressing that the Vice-Chancellor personally reminded the leadership team of the importance of the gathering.
He thanked the delegates for travelling from near and far, describing their participation as a testament to the collective commitment to advancing SIWES.
Alhaji Kusherki also encouraged the visiting Directors and Coordinators to take time to tour the University’s facilities, including the College of Health Sciences, the ongoing Faculty of Environmental Sciences, the Faculty of Law, and the Senate Building. He said these structures reflect the Institution’s determination to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
The Registrar further urged participants to serve as ambassadors of the institution by sharing their observations and experiences with others beyond the meeting.