The word SIWES is an acronym for the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme. This is an accepted skills training programmes which forms part of the approved minimum academic standard in the various degree programmes for all the Nigerian universities. It is aimed at exposing students to machines and equipments, professional work method and works safeguarding the work areas and workers in industries and other organizations.
The minimum duration for SIWES should normally be twenty four (24) weeks which is approximately six (6) months except for engineering and technology programmes where the
minimum duration is fourth (40) weeks. The scheme is a tripartite programme, involving the students, the universities and the industrial employers. It is founded by the federal government of Nigeria and jointly co-ordinated by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National University Commission (NUC).
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES
The aims and objectives of students industrial work experience scheme are specifically stated as follows.
i. It provides students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real situation, thereby bridging the gap between university work and actual practices.
ii. It provides an avenue for students in the Nigerian universities to acquire industrial , skills and experience in their course of study
iii. It prepare students for the work situation they are likely to meet after graduation.
iv.It enlist and strengthen employers involvement in the entire educational process of preparing university graduates for employment in industry.
v. SIWES makes the transition from the university to the world easier, and thus enhance students contacts for later job placement
vi.Expose student work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery that may not be available in the universities.
BRIEF HISTORY OF AKIN – SATER FARMS (NIG) LIMITED
Akin-Sateru Farms Nigeria Limited is an integrated farm which have livestock farming, fishery, feed mills, and training of potential farmers and consultancy services as their major work.
It was established in 1979 by His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Akinloye Tijani .Located at KM 20, Lekki/Epe Express Way, Ikota, Eti-Osa L.G.A ,Lagos State. (Between 2nd toll gate and Victoria Garden City (VGC).
The Farm took off with raising of day old chicks in a small scale i.e. brooding in 1980, piggery was introduced with four (4) gilts and two (2) boars as their foundation stock. Similarly, few earthen ponds were constructed in the same year.
Automatic layers cage (battery cage) was imported in 1982 with some minor crop processing machines and other mechanized apparatus. In the same year, artificial propagation of fish through hypophysation was introduced with the installation of some standard equipment for breeding. Finally, in 1996 and 2011 respectively, standard livestock feed mill and fish feed mil were imported and installed for crop processing. The fish feed mill was the second to have being imported into Nigeria. These were followed by other mechanized implements such as tractors, rotary mowers, drying machine etc.
With the aforementioned equipment, implements, machines and innovations brought into the farm, it is rated as one of the best privately owned farms in the country. Hence, it was adjudged the best in Lagos by Lagos State government in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
AIMS /OBJECTIVES OF THE FARM
1. To raise livestock in an approved standard that can compete favourably in local and global markets
2. To train men and women that will be self employed with requisite knowledge in agri-business
3. To bridge the gap between verbal training and field practical
4. Promote standard in livestock feeds.
RELEVANCE OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING TO THE COURSE OF STUDY
The industrial attachments carried out is of most important in the concentrated area of study since the farm is an integrated livestock farms and agricultural consultant
This programme truly exposed me to the knowledge of various principles involves in the attainment of optimum production of farm animals which is dependent on the following techniques that enhances the improvement of farm management;
i. Safety guide in the workshop
ii. Feed formulation exercise and proper nutrition in terms of feed quality and quantity
iii. Breeding techniques in farm animals and fish
iv. Identification of animals in terms of breed, sick, pregnant etc
v. Farm accounting
vi. Handling of animals and their products
vii. General medication
viii. Hygiene element and post control which is dependent on disinfections, spraying etc