The History of SIWES in Nigeria: Everything You Need to Know
Learn about the history of SIWES in Nigeria—from its creation in 1973 by the ITF to its impact on student training today. Discover how SIWES bridges the gap between classroom theory and workplace practice.
The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is one of the most impactful initiatives in Nigeria’s education sector.
Launched in 1973 by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), SIWES was created to solve a growing concern among Nigerian industries: graduates lacked the practical skills needed to function effectively in the workplace.
Before SIWES, most tertiary institutions in Nigeria focused mainly on theoretical knowledge, leaving students underprepared for real-world technical challenges.
Why Was SIWES Introduced?
In the early 1970s, major industrial employers in Nigeria raised alarms about the theory-heavy approach of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
They found that many graduates, especially in science, engineering, technology, and education fields, struggled to apply classroom knowledge in practical situations.
The Federal Government, through the ITF, stepped in to develop a national program that would:
- Equip students with hands-on experience
- Strengthen ties between academia and industry
- Improve the employability of graduates
Timeline of SIWES Development
- 1973 – SIWES was introduced by the ITF as a pilot program.
- 1974 – It gained official approval and was fully launched by the Federal Government.
- 1978 – ITF temporarily withdrew due to funding issues. Administration of the scheme was handed over to:
- National Universities Commission (NUC)
- National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
- National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE)
- 1984 – The Federal Government mandated that ITF resume full control.
- 1985 – ITF officially regained management of SIWES, with funding support from the Federal Government.
- 1992 – Students from Colleges of Education (NCE level) began participating in SIWES.
Who Is Eligible for SIWES?
SIWES is primarily intended for students in:
- Universities
- Polytechnics/Monotechnics
- Colleges of Education
Only students in courses related to:
- Engineering and Technology
- Environmental Sciences
- Pure and Applied Sciences
- Agriculture
- Medical Sciences
- Education (Technical, Business, and Science)
...are qualified to participate. Preliminary and postgraduate students are not eligible.
Duration of the Program
- Universities: 3–6 months (usually at 200, 300, or 400 level)
- Polytechnics/Colleges of Technology: 4 months (typically after ND Year 1)
- Colleges of Education (NCE): 4 months (after Year 2)
Why the History of SIWES Still Matters Today
The historical development of SIWES highlights the Nigerian government’s early recognition of the need for industry-academic synergy. Decades later, the program remains a critical tool in shaping employable graduates. It continues to:
- Improve the technical competence of students
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship
- Foster a culture of hands-on learning across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions
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