How to Write Your Final SIWES Report (Format, Structure, Examples & A+ Tips)

Completing your SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme) is only half the journey. The final SIWES report is what truly counts — it’s proof that you didn’t just show up but actually learned, contributed, and developed practical skills.

Here’s why this matters: in many Nigerian universities and polytechnics, your SIWES report accounts for 30–40% of your final SIWES grade. That means a poorly written report could cost you an A grade, even if you worked hard during training.

The good news? SIWES reports follow a clear structure. Once you know the standard format and what examiners are looking for, writing becomes much easier.

This complete guide will show you:

• ✅ The official SIWES report format
• ✅ What to write in each chapter (with examples)
• ✅ Formatting rules examiners check for
• ✅ Grading secrets most students miss
• ✅ FAQs about SIWES report writing

Let’s dive in.

📑 Standard SIWES Report Format

Most Nigerian schools follow a similar report structure. Your report usually has three major parts:

1. Preliminary Pages (title, certification, dedication, etc.)
2. Main Chapters (Introduction → About the company → Activities → Challenges → Conclusion)
3. References

1. Preliminary Pages

These set the professional tone of your report. They include:

• Title Page – Your report title, name, matric number, institution, department, and date.
• Certification Page – Signed by your industry supervisor and school SIWES coordinator.
• Declaration – (If required) a short originality statement.
• Dedication – A one-paragraph note, usually to God, parents, or mentors.
• Acknowledgement – Thank supervisors, lecturers, colleagues, and family.
• Abstract – A short summary (5–10 lines) of your training, activities, skills gained, and challenges.
• Table of Contents – Headings and page numbers.

👉 Pro Tip: Write your abstract last but place it first. A poor abstract can reduce your grade.

2. Main Chapters

Chapter One: Introduction

• 1.1 General Introduction – Briefly explain SIWES.
• 1.2 Background & History – Short history of SIWES and why it was created.
• 1.3 Aims and Objectives – Official SIWES goals (bridging theory with practice, preparing students for industry).
• 1.4 Significance – Why SIWES is important in your field (IT, engineering, medical sciences, etc.).
• 1.5 Rationale for Choosing the Organization – Explain why you chose your workplace.

Chapter Two: About the Organization

• 2.1 Company Background – History, year founded, milestones.
• 2.2 Objectives of the Organization – What the company does.
• 2.3 Organizational Structure – Include a chart/organogram.
• 2.4 Departments and Functions – Roles of different units.
• 2.5 Professional Ethics – Workplace ethics, safety standards, or code of conduct.

Chapter Three: Activities & Experiences

This is the core of your report. Be detailed.

• 3.1 Tasks Assigned – Projects or duties you worked on.
• 3.2 Tools, Machines, or Software Used – List and describe them.
• 3.3 Step-by-Step Processes – If applicable, describe how products/services are delivered.
• 3.4 Skills Acquired – Technical and soft skills.
• 3.5 Workplace Practices – Mention ergonomics, safety, quality control, and maintenance.

👉 Example (for IT students):
“I developed web pages using HTML and CSS, contributed to debugging JavaScript errors, and assisted in managing a student database using MySQL.”

Chapter Four: Challenges & Problem-Solving

• 4.1 Problems Encountered – Shortage of tools, poor internet, lack of materials, time constraints.
• 4.2 Solutions Suggested – How you (or the organization) could improve.
• 4.3 Limitations – Briefly note what was beyond your control.

Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion & Recommendations

• 5.1 Summary – Recap your SIWES journey.
• 5.2 Conclusion – State how SIWES bridged theory and practice.
• 5.3 Recommendations – Suggestions to your school, SIWES body, or the organization.

📚 References & Citation Guide

Your SIWES report is not complete without a reference list. Examiners want to see that you consulted textbooks, articles, or credible websites.

There are different citation styles, but most Nigerian schools accept APA, Harvard, or IEEE. Below are examples:

APA Style (7th Edition)

• In-text citation:
  • One author → (Okafor, 2020)
  • Two authors → (Okafor & Musa, 2021)
  • Three or more authors → (Okafor et al., 2022)
• Reference List Examples:
  • Book:

Okafor, J. A. (2020). Introduction to Database Systems. Lagos: University Press.

• Journal Article:

Musa, T., & Ibrahim, L. (2021). The role of SIWES in bridging theory and practice. Journal of Nigerian Higher Education, 14(2), 45–53.

• Website:

Siwes Beginner. (2021, November 10). SIWES Introduction, Aim & Objectives in Nigeria. https://siwesbeginner.com/siwes-introduction

IEEE Style

• In-text citation:
  • Use numbers in square brackets → [1], [2], [3].
  • Example: “SIWES helps to bridge theory with practice [2].”
• Reference List Examples:
  • Book:

[1] J. A. Okafor, Introduction to Database Systems. Lagos: University Press, 2020.

• Journal Article:

[2] T. Musa and L. Ibrahim, “The role of SIWES in bridging theory and practice,” Journal of Nigerian Higher Education, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 45–53, 2021.

• Website:

[3] Siwes Beginner, “SIWES Introduction, Aim & Objectives in Nigeria,” Nov. 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://siwesbeginner.com/siwes-introduction

Harvard Style

• In-text citation:
  • One author → (Okafor 2020)
  • Two authors → (Okafor & Musa 2021)
  • Three or more authors → (Okafor et al. 2022)
• Reference List Examples:
  • Book:

Okafor, JA 2020, Introduction to Database Systems, University Press, Lagos.

• Journal Article:

Musa, T & Ibrahim, L 2021, ‘The role of SIWES in bridging theory and practice’, Journal of Nigerian Higher Education, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 45–53.

• Website:

Siwes Beginner 2021, SIWES Introduction, Aim & Objectives in Nigeria, viewed 20 August 2023, https://siwesbeginner.com/siwes-introduction.

👉 Tip: Use the style your department requires. If unsure, APA is the safest choice for SIWES reports in Nigerian universities and polytechnics.

📏 Formatting & Presentation Guidelines

Examiners grade not only your content but also your presentation.

• Paper: A4 size, with a 310-gram Whiteart Card cover.
• Font: Times New Roman, size 12.
• Line Spacing: 1.5.
• Alignment: Justify text; use neat page numbering.
• Length: Typically 30–50 pages.
• Headings: Use bold and consistent formatting.

Grading Secrets: How to Get an A

Here are things examiners silently check for:

1. Abstract quality – A weak abstract can kill your grade.
2. Originality – Copy-paste reports are easy to spot.
3. Practical details – Show real tools, real tasks, and personal involvement.
4. Clarity – Simple English beats jargon.
5. Professional formatting – Neat work gets higher marks.
6. Problem-solving – Don’t just list challenges; propose solutions.
7. Career relevance – Link your experience to your future profession.

Sample Abstract (Template)

“This report summarizes my six-month SIWES training at XYZ Technologies, Lagos, where I worked in the Web Development Department. During this period, I was exposed to modern programming tools such as HTML, CSS, and React.js, and participated in building responsive websites for clients. I also assisted in debugging JavaScript code, gained hands-on experience in database management using MySQL, and improved my teamwork and communication skills. Despite challenges such as limited internet access, the program enhanced my technical and professional competence, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical industry application.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long should my SIWES report be?
Most reports range from 30–50 pages, depending on your department.

Q2: Can I include pictures?
Yes ✅. Photos of you working, company equipment, and organizational charts make your report stronger.

Q3: Can I copy someone else’s report?
No 🚫. Examiners easily detect recycled reports. Always personalize yours.

Q4: What referencing style should I use?
APA, Harvard, or IEEE — confirm with your department.

Q5: Does the SIWES report affect my final grade?
Yes ✅. It can contribute 30–40% of your total SIWES score.

Final Thoughts

Your SIWES report is more than just a formality — it’s proof that you have applied classroom knowledge in a real-world environment.

By following the official format, applying proper formatting rules, and being original in your descriptions, you’ll produce a report that not only earns you high marks but can also serve as a career reference in your CV.

👉 Keep it simple, structured, and authentic. That’s the winning formula for an A-grade SIWES report.