KWASU SIWES Letter: How to Get Your Letter and Find a Placement

To start SIWES you need two things: a letter from the school, and a company that agrees to take you. The second one is where most KWASU students struggle.

Here's how both work. The SIWES unit and your department set the steps and dates, so confirm the current process with your coordinator before you act.

Do you even have SIWES at KWASU?

According to the KWASU SIWES unit's own page, SIWES is compulsory for students in programmes that require industrial training, as set by the NUC. It is a condition for the award of the degree in specific programmes in these faculties:

• Agriculture
• Engineering and Technology
• Education
• Information and Communication Technology
• Pure and Applied Sciences

If your course is in one of these faculties, ask your department whether it is a SIWES programme and which level you go out. If you are in another faculty, confirm with your department before you plan around SIWES.

What the KWASU SIWES unit does for you

The SIWES unit works to seek industrial placement for students in the programmes that require SIWES, and it issues the letters that introduce you to employers. It also processes your logbook, and your logbook is vetted and signed by your university supervisor, your industry-based supervisor and ITF staff.

The unit sends the master list and placement list to ITF and NUC at least three months before the attachment starts. That is one more reason to register early and not wait for the last month.

Even so, placement is competitive, so many students also search for their own. That is what the rest of this guide covers.

What the SIWES letter is

The SIWES letter is an official letter from the school that introduces you to a company. It says you are a student of the university, that you are due for industrial training, and that you are asking for a placement.

Companies like it because it shows you are a real student and not someone walking in from the street. Most will not take you without it.

Step 1: Register and ask your department about SIWES

Listen out for announcements from your department and the SIWES unit. They will tell you:

• When registration opens
• What forms to fill
• Which documents to bring
• When the placement letters are ready

Join your class group and follow the SIWES notices closely. Students who miss the announcement often start late.

Step 2: Get your introduction letter

Once you have registered, collect the letter issued to students. Make a few photocopies, because you will apply to more than one company. Keep the original safe.

Step 3: Choose where to apply

Pick a company that matches your course. A Computer Science student should look for IT firms, banks or software companies. A Microbiology student should look for hospitals, labs and food or drink companies. See our list of courses that do SIWES in Nigeria if you are unsure what fits.

Ways to find a place:

• Ask family and friends who work in the field. This is the fastest route.
• Ask seniors who have done SIWES where they went and whether it was useful.
• Use the MonoEd SIWES Finder. It helps you find companies that accept SIWES students.
• Check our city lists: Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Kano and Kaduna.

Many KWASU students are from Ilorin, Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja. Think about where you will stay, because transport and rent affect how well you can focus.

Step 4: Write your application letter

Your application letter goes with the school letter. Keep it short and polite. One page is enough.

Here is a simple sample:

Your name
Your address
Date

The Human Resources Manager
[Company name]
[Company address]

Dear Sir/Madam,

APPLICATION FOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (SIWES) PLACEMENT

I am a [level] student of [department] at Kwara State University, Malete. I am due for Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and I would like to do my training at your company from [month] to [month].

I am interested in [unit or department] because [short honest reason]. I am hardworking, punctual and willing to learn. I have attached my school introduction letter and my CV.

I look forward to your positive response.

Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
[Matric number]
[Phone number]

You will find a full guide with more samples here: how to write a SIWES request placement letter to a company. There is also a guide on the SIWES application letter and a CV for SIWES.

Step 5: Submit and follow up

• Deliver the letter in person if you can. It works better than email.
• Ask for the name of the person to follow up with.
• Call or visit after one week. Do not disturb them every day.
• Apply to at least three or four places. Do not wait for one reply.

Step 6: Collect your acceptance letter

When a company agrees to take you, ask for a written acceptance letter. Take it back to the SIWES unit as they require. Without it, your placement may not be recognised.

You will also need to fill your ITF Form 8. See how to fill ITF Form 8.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Starting late. The best places fill up first.
• Applying to only one company. If they say no, you lose weeks.
• Choosing a place that has nothing to do with your course. Your report will be hard to write.
• Sending a long, messy letter. HR managers read dozens of them. Keep yours short and neat.
• Forgetting the school letter. Always attach it.
• Not asking about pay and rules. Some companies pay a small stipend, some do not. See do SIWES students get paid?

Once you've started

Begin your logbook on day one. Our guide to filling your KWASU SIWES logbook shows how, and the MonoEd SIWES Logbook can draft your weekly entries.

At the end, write your report using the KWASU SIWES report format. The MonoEd SIWES Report Generator already knows the KWASU five-chapter layout: type "Kwara State University" on the create page and it sets things up for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I get my SIWES letter at KWASU?

Register with your department and the SIWES unit when registration opens, then collect the introduction letter they issue. Ask your coordinator for the current steps, dates and any fees.

Does KWASU find a placement for me?

The SIWES unit works to seek placements for students in SIWES programmes and issues introduction letters to employers. Placement is still competitive, so many students find their own too. Start early.

Can I find my own placement?

Yes, and most students do. Find a company that fits your course, apply with your school letter and wait for an acceptance letter.

When should I start looking?

A few months before your training starts, ideally. The better places fill early.

Can I do SIWES in another state?

Generally yes, as long as the company is relevant to your course and your school approves. Make sure your supervisor can reach you.

What is an acceptance letter?

A letter from the company saying it has agreed to take you. You submit it to the SIWES unit as proof of your placement.

How long is SIWES at KWASU?

We couldn't find the duration on an official page. A Kwara placement directory reports that engineering students commonly do a 3-month SIWES I at 300 level and a 6-month SIWES II at 400 level, while other programmes do a single 6-month SIWES. Treat that as a guide and confirm with your department.

Is SIWES compulsory for every KWASU student?

No. It's compulsory for programmes that require it, mainly in the Faculties of Agriculture, Engineering and Technology, Education, ICT, and Pure and Applied Sciences. Ask your department if your course is included.