ITF Area Manager Urges Tertiary Institutions to Embrace Skill-Up Artisans(SUPA), Expand Students Participation in SIWES to Reduce Youth Unemployment

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde, Olufemi Orunsola 

The Area Manager, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Abeokuta Area Office, Mrs. Bolanle Ajibade, has urged tertiary Institutions in Ogun state to embrace the Skill-Up Artisans programme code named SUPA and also take the lead in expanding the participation of students in the Students Industrial Working Experience Scheme (SIWES).

Mrs. Ajibade, made this significant announcement during the 3rd quarter Zonal Supervisory meeting of all SIWES-participating institutions in Ogun state hosted by the SIWES Directorate, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta on Wednesday.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports that the Area Office Manager, who commended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta for the introduction of dual certification educational model in which students get certificated on selected soft skills/vocational skills in addition to certification on their primary course of studies, urged all tertiary institutions in the gateway state to encourage their students to also enrol in the Skills-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme targeted at upgrading the skills of tertiary students, profiling them into a pool from which local and international organizations can source for their skillful services.

Mrs.Ajibade further emphasized that contrary to the notion that only students running ITF-funded Courses/Departments can participate in the Students Industrial training scheme, all students from SIWES-participating institutions are eligible to participate in the scheme.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Abeokuta Area Office Manager, made the announcement at the Academic Board Room, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, during the 3rd quarter Zonal Supervisory meeting.

OTN News further reports that participants at the meeting had a robust discussion on salient issues related to exclusion of some Departments from the Students Industrial Working Experience Scheme, mode of supervision of supervisees, among other industrial training issues thrashed at the Supervisory meeting.

Comparing SIWES operational notes, the SIWES Director, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Mr. Basiru G. Osinfade, pointed out that while checking the list of SIWES-participating programmes at MAPOLY, he observed that Departments from the School of Business and Management Studies were excluded from SIWES at the institution, noting that at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro such students/departments are allowed to partake in SIWES.

The host SIWES Director, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Dr.Olayiwola Sojobi, who had earlier welcomed the participants to the meeting, also contributed to the discussions, noting that Departments in the School of Business Management Studies have not been part of the SIWES-participating programmes but the institution is most willing to accommodate them into the scheme.

Responding to some clearly articulated concerns by critical stakeholders in the Industrial Training Scheme, Mrs. Ajibade clarified the ITF's stance, explaining that while all institutions have the freedom to send students from any department for SIWES, the ITF only funds specific departments at the moment.

She maintained that, "Not all departments are funded by ITF, but Institutions can still have their students across all departments undergo the program if they choose to."

Mrs. Ajibade stressed that while it was possible to extend SIWES to all students, Institutions should be aware of the funding limitations.

Adding to the discussion, Omojevwe Ogheneruemuse from Harvarde College of Science, Business, and Management Studies noted that the National Coordinator for SIWES had made it clear in previous directives that the ITF had begun funding certain departments, including Accountancy. 

“While not all departments are officially included yet, there are now funded and non-funded programs within the scheme", further emphasizing the need for clarity in ensuring that institutions are aware of these distinctions". 

Mr. Kassim Hassan, the SIWES Director at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), took the conversation further by addressing the flexibility of SIWES placements. 

He advocated for students who wish to complete their training in industries outside the State or even abroad, urging supervisors to support students’ choices. 

“Students should be allowed to go wherever they choose to do their SIWES, even if it’s outside the country. Supervisors should maintain contact and provide remote supervision if necessary, virtual supervision is a viable way to ensure proper monitoring without restricting students from exploring viable industrial training opportunities," he stated. 

Mrs. Ajibade shared details about a potential SIWES placement opportunity with Fast System Construction Limited, a company with a construction site in Sagamu, Ogun State. 

She explained that the company is seeking IT students in fields such as:Civil Engineering, Building Technology, Architecture, and Quantity Surveying. 

In addition, she mentioned that the company would provide standard accommodation for selected students, and she encouraged Institutions to inform their students about this opportunity. 

Mrs. Ajibade urged institutions to actively assist students still searching for industrial placement opportunities. 

"Students who have yet to secure a placement should be encouraged to apply for these positions,” she said.

The host Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, who called for stronger collaborations between tertiary institutions and the ITF noted that the activities of ITF aligns perfectly with new policy thrust and slogan of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), which is "Skills: Not Just Degrees!", which targets to bridge the industry gap between qualifications and skills.

Dr.Odedeji emphasized that there is a need to bridge that gap between qualifications and core competences of individuals bearing those qualifications as well as digitalization of vocational skills of graduates in line with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).

The meeting had in attendance SIWES Directors and Coordinators as Delegates from several institutions across Ogun State, including Federal Polytechnic Ilaro (FPI), Macpherson University, Abeokuta, Covenant University, Ota, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), among others, contributing to the discussion on enhancing the SIWES program for students across Ogun State.

The Zonal Supervisory meeting reflects a significant push towards broadening the scope of SIWES, ensuring that more students gain the practical industry experience necessary for their professional growth, employability and digital compliance, irrespective of their course of study.