The Central Industrial Liaison and Placement Unit (CILPU) of the University of Lagos held its 2026 Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Orientation Exercise on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at LT 026, Faculty of Life Sciences, UNILAG.
Preparing Students for Industry Readiness
The orientation exercise brought together students from 200 to 500 levels across various faculties, offering them valuable insights into the SIWES programme and the requirements for a successful internship.
Mr. Justin Uzodinma and Mr. Adeshola Kukoyi of CILPU explained that SIWES was established to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical application, ultimately fostering a competent and productive workforce. They emphasized the academic relevance of the scheme and outlined how performance during industrial training is assessed.
Career Development Insights
Dr. Ayodele Shittu, Team Lead at the Office of Career Development Services (OCDS), delivered a thought-provoking session on career building. He encouraged students to acquire critical skills such as communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence, which are essential in the 21st century workplace. He urged students to engage in volunteering and campus associations to build impact-driven experiences. Dr. Shittu also clarified the difference between a CV (adaptable to job descriptions) and a resume (a concise one-page document).
Understanding Programme Structures
Prof. Johnson Agunsoye, Director of CILPU, explained the distinction between Tier One and Tier Two SIWES programmes:
• Tier One: For students in five-year programmes, offering a six-month SIWES placement in their fourth year.
• Tier Two: For students in four-year programmes, involving two three-month SIWES placements in their second and third years.
ITF’s Call to Excellence
The programme concluded with a presentation by Mr. Essien Godfrey, representative of the Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Lagos Island Area Office, Mr. Sogo Oladimeji. He described SIWES as a skill-training initiative designed to expose students to real-world work environments during their studies.
Mr. Godfrey urged students to seek placements in organizations relevant to their fields of study to remain competitive after graduation. He elaborated on essential ITF documentation, including:
- Student Commencement Attachment (SCA) Forms – to be completed within two weeks of starting SIWES.
- End of Programme Form (Form 8) – submitted upon completion of SIWES.
- Log Book – for recording daily activities.
- ITF Supervision Assessment Form – for evaluation by ITF supervisors.
He concluded by charging students to be worthy ambassadors of UNILAG, demonstrating professionalism, punctuality, and exemplary conduct in their host organizations.
Author: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
Photographer: Joshua Michael
