The Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Engr. (Prof.) Odey Osha has stated that the Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was designed by the Federal Government to help students bridge the gap between theory and practicals in their given profession.

The Dean stated this while declaring open the 2021/2022 academic session's SIWES defence held at the Faculty's Seminar Room.

Prof. Osha said SIWES provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work situations thereby bridging the gap between theory and practicals.

According to him, "The objectives of the scheme is to provide an avenue for students in Institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial skills and experiences in the course of their studies and also expose students to work out methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery that may not be available in the institution.

"The scheme makes the transition from school to the world of work easier, enhancing students' contacts for job placement".

Prof. Osha who commended the Vice Chancellor for creating an enabling environment for academic excellence in the faculty, especially, as regards her stance against victimization and extortion of students noted that the Vice Chancellor's strong support to the faculty before, during and after the recently concluded NUC accreditation exercise is worthy of commendation.

He used the occasion to thank the Heads of Departments in the Faculty, as well as, the SIWES Coordinator and his team for a job well done.

This is even as he admonished the students, urging them to brace up during this period of their training as it will enhance their future careers.

Also speaking at the event, the Faculty of Engineering SIWES Coordinator, Engr. Oyongha Agbiji assured the students that as the Coordinator, he would make sure that as long as they have done their Industrial Training, they will not have to come back to do it again.

He however charged the students to stay focused and remain committed, co-operate with their respective Heads of Departments and do whatever they are supposed to do, and at the right time.