A TECHNICAL REPORT ON STUDENTS’

INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE

SCHEME (SIWES)
PREPARED BY

JOSIAH, FREDRICK JESUWAME

(20/022579/NAS)

MAY 2023 TO OCTOBER 2023

OBSERVED AT
NIGERIA PORTS AUTORITY, HQ
26/28Marina, Lagos Island PMB12588 Lagos .
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Executive Summary

The tasks I did and the knowledge I gained during my six-month SIWES placement at the
Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, in the department of Information Communication
Technology, are mostly captured in this technical report.

The ICT department was sub divided into 4 parts:

1. Network and Communications (N&C)

2. Software Applications and Database Management (SA&DM)

3. Research and Special Duties ( R&SP)

4. Hardware

I spent my first three months working in the network and communications department,
where I picked up the fundamentals of networking as well as some hands-on experience.

I worked in the department of Software Applications and Database Management for the
final three months, where I also had the chance to work with some of the organization
database systems and attend training seminars.

As a result, this study examines and summarizes the gained skills and emphasizes the
importance of the program in preparing students for life after school and giving them the
marketable talents they need to survive.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Objective of the scheme
1.3 Role of the student during SIWES
1.4 The Logbook
CHAPTER TWO
DESCRIPTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ATTACHMENT
2.1 Brief History of the Establishment
2.2 Statutory duties and functions
2.3 Vision
2.4 Mission
2.5 Core Essence
2.6 Core Values
2.7 Organogram
CHAPTER THREE
TASKS CARRIED OUT AND EXPERIENCE GAINED
3.1 Assigning of Intercom to offices
3.2 Learning how to crimp a network cable properly
3.3 Network Connectivity issue fixed
3.4 Cisco packett tracer
3.5 Troubleshooting of switch problem
3.6 Installation of antivirus on all systems
3.7 Systems on Domain
SOME OTHER PROJECTS I WORKED ON
- RIMS Portal
- Checking of server room
- Assisting in setting up meeting room
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- Changing of passwords & Applying for leave for staffs

- Assisting of staffs with any ICT related problems
- Making of Test call
CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSION, AND RECCOMENDATIONS
4.1 Conclusion

4.2 Recommendations

CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Aacknowledgement
5.2 Testament

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a skill acquisition
programme which has become part of academic standards in many Nigerian
Tertiary Institutions’ degree programmes. It was established in 1973 by Industrial
Training Fund (ITF), to expose students to various industrial practical activities
such as handling and operating equipment which they may not have the
opportunity to learn during campus activities only.

1.1 Background
It has become a necessity and government’s education policy in most higher
institutions in Nigeria that every student should go through this industrial training
before they can be awarded either a Diploma or a Bachelor’s Degree specifically in
technical, engineering, applied science, and educational disciplines.

Over the years, this programme has evidently been the solution to the common
problem students have after graduation – lack of practical exposure and relevant
skills in their various fields. SIWES has made various students realize how
relevant their course of study is, in the current labour market. This is indeed a
privilege for students as they get to have a glimpse of what they will be dealing
with after graduation.

The ITF and their coordinating agencies such as NUC, NCCE, and NBTE, in
agreement with some industries and other employers of labour, are the core
operators of this scheme, while it is fully funded by the Federal Government of
Nigeria. The undergraduates of Medical Science, Education, Other Sciences,
Technology, Agriculture, and Environmental fields are the major beneficiaries of
the programme, and the duration varies between three months to six months.

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1.2 Objectives of the Scheme

As outlined in the Industrial Training Fund’s policy Document No.1 of 1973, SIWES
primary objectives are itemized as follows:

 To ensure students practically explore their interest in their chosen career before
getting indulged in it as a permanent career.

 To get students ready for the industrial work situations that await them after school.

 To ensure no student of higher institutions lacks industrial skills and the necessary
experience during their course of study.

 To provide students with an avenue to handle and operate equipment and machinery
relevant to their course of study which their institutions may not have.

 To enhance students’ transitioning from school to the outside world, and get them
fully ready not only theoretically but also practically – bridging the gap between
theory and practical.

 To carry industries and other employers of labour along in students’ educational

process.

 To ensure students are familiar with the technological innovations in their different
fields and professions.

 To ensure that the skills acquired by students are relevant to their careers.

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1.2 Role of the Student during SIWES

 My role as a SIWES student was to stay focused and learn from practical knowledge
being taught by my industry based supervisor and also take part in all the process
involved in system maintenance which is necessary.
 To comply with rule and regulation of the establishment.
 To be punctual to the place of work
 To always write and update my logbook book.

1.4 The Logbook

Logbook usually rectangle in shape which is designed to assist the student in keeping accurate
daily record of their work during SIWES programme. The logbook must be check and signed
by the supervisors.

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CHAPTER TWO
DESCRIPTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ATTACHMENT

Port operations and development in Nigeria began in the middle of the 19th century. The effort
towards the provision of facilities for ocean going vessels started with the opening of Lagos
Lagoon in the early 1909. The Apapa Port in the South West was earmarked for development in
1913 and construction of the first four deep water berths of 548.64m at the port began in 1921

The Port of Port Harcourt was conceptualised on discovery of coal at Enugu and was
subsequently opened for the business in 1913. The completion of the railway line in Enugu in
1916 resulted in the development of four 1920 feet long berths at Port Harcourt to expedite the
exploitation and eventual exportation of coal on one hand and the support of importation of
goods on the other hand. The Nigerian Port Authority was established as a continuous Public
Corporation by the Ports Act of 1954 to address the institutional weakness that bordered on lack
of coherent policy framework as ports development were done on adhoc basis driven by
changes on the level and demand of sea-borne trade.

In 2003, the Federal Government of Nigeria initiated the drive towards improving efficiency at
out Ports, and the landlord model was adopted for all the Nigerian Ports. This gave rise to the
concession of 25 Terminals to private Terminal Operators with lease agreement ranging from
10-25 years. One of the concessions was a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement.
Also in the process of reorganising the ports, the former eight (8) ports were reduced to six (6)
major ports, with two (2) ports in Lagos and four (4)in the east namely; Lagos Port Complex,
Tin Can-Island Port Complex, Calabar Port, Rivers Ports, Onne Ports Complex and Delta Ports
Complex respectively.

In line with the reform programme, the transaction commenced with the advertisement for
Expression of Interest on the 3rd of December, 2003, by the National Council on Privatization
with the Bureau of Public Enterprise acting as the transaction agent. A total of 110 EOIs were

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harvested out of which only 94 were pre-qualified.

Pre-bid conferences, Data room and physical due diligence were also done and request for
proposals sent out to bidders. Technical bids were submitted and evaluated; the financial offers
were also opened to determine the successful bidders.

All the successful bidders negotiated their concession agreements with a Public Sector Team
made up of Nigerian Ports Authority and the Bureau of Public Enterprise. Successfully
negotiated agreements were signed. Transition programme initiated preparatory to handing
over. Under this new arrangement the Authority ceded some of her functions and
responsibilities to the Private Sector.

2.2 Statutory Duties And Functions

 Ownership and administration of land and water within port limits.
 Planning and development of port operational infrastructure.
 Leasing and concession of port infrastructure and setting bench mark for tariff structure
 Responsible for nautical/Harbour operations and hydrographic survey.
 Marine incidents and pollution
 Maintenance of safety and security at the common user areas.
 Enacting port regulations and bye-laws as well as monitor and enforce them
 Day to day monitoring of operations and enforcement of relevant sections of respective
agreements.
 Towage, mooring, bunkering, ship chandelling and ship repairs.

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2.3 VISION
To Be The Maritime Logistics Hub For Sustainable Port Services In Africa

2.4 MISSION
To Deliver Efficient Port Services in a Safe, Secure and Customer-friendly Environment

2.5 CORE ESSENCE

A National Brand Asset Anchored on Service Excellence

2.6 CORE VALUES

Efficiency, Customer Satisfaction, Security, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Integrity

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2.7 Organizational Structure (Organogram)

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CHAPTER THREE
TASKS CARRIED OUT AND EXPERIENCE GAINED

3.1 Assigning Of Intercom To Offices

The principal manager of Network&Communications assigned me and a few other
colleagues to make a round check from office to office to identify any offices without
an intercom. The exercise took place over the course of a week and involved
examining all offices, including executive offices.

After the exercise, a phone was produced for each office that lacked one, and we were
also tasked with setting up the phones with the computers by connecting them via a
network cable.

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3.2 Learning how to crimp a network cable properly

The most frequently used item in the network and communications department is a
network cable.

Although the organization provides follow-come cable, there have been instances where
we have needed to crimp a network cable for a specific purpose, therefore it was required
that I learn how to do so and test the wire.

We were given crimping tools, a LAN tester, and a switch to test the cable functionality.

Cable Tester + Crimp Crimper + Rj45 Cat5 Connector Plug - Network Tool

3.3 Network Connectivity Issue Fixed

Every issue relating to network connectivity in the company was fixed. On some days, we

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experienced network troubles in specific offices, either as a result of broken RJ45 or,
occasionally, the network cable was faulty. I ensured that network issues were resolved along
with the other department members, and we escalated those that were outside our scope to the
senior personnel.

3.4 Cisco Packett Tracer

Packet Tracer is a cross-platform visual simulation tool designed by Cisco Systems that allows
users to create network topologies and imitate modern computer networks. The software allows
users to simulate the configuration of Cisco routers and switches using a simulated command line
interface.

A Computer Lab simulation in packett tracer

3.5 Troubleshooting of Switch problem

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We were notified that the network on the second floor was unstable. Upon visiting the control
room, we discovered that the distribution switch was frequently restarting. We attempted to
troubleshoot by attempting to copy the configuration and format the switch using a console cable
that was connected to both our system and the console serial. However, this method proved
unsuccessful. After that, we switched out the power on the switch for a new one and waited to
discover that the power supply was having problems.

Following that, we tracked every IP address distribution from our office in a methodical manner
to determine when any switches went out.

Pinging Of IP Address in CMD

3.6 Installation Of Antivirus On All Systems

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The organization prioritizes document protection, so my team and I set out once more to check in
offices with computers lacking antivirus software. This exercise was crucial, and once the checks
were successful, we installed Kapersky antivirus on every system in the organization.

3.7 Systems on Domain

The steps for adding a computer to a client domain are highlighted below. This was necessary so
that the company could regularly update the antivirus software that was installed on all of its
systems, and push new softwares from the ICT end.

Right click This PC and scroll to Properties and click it.

Click Change settings.

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Click Change

Provide domain name in domain text field and click OK.

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You will be prompted to provide a credential of an account having permission to join a client
machine to this domain.

A welcome window appears. Click OK

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Restart your machine so that changes can take effect. Click OK.

Once your machine is rebooted, Click on Other User. Type your domain user credentials and

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click on Enter key to log on. Note that, as seen in the below image, my domain name is stated
under the username and password text boxes. If it happens that you have your local machine
name is shown and not your domain name, then type the user name in this format :
domain Windows\NPA.

Some other Projects I worked on

RIMS Portal- I helped verify and clear shipping payments through the company's Revenue
Infrastructure Management System (RIMS) portal, which was created to verify shipping
payments from one port to another.

Checking of server room- Every day, we checked the server room to ensure that the AC cooling
and all switches were operational.

Assisting In setting up meeting rooms- Together with the IT team, I also assist in organizing

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departmental seminar meetings and making sure everything goes according to plan.

Changing of Passwords & Applying for leave for Staffs - For the security of their work, I also
help employees change their domain passwords, which expire every three months. I also
completed some employees' leave applications.

Assisting of staffs with any ICT related problems - I started assisting the staff in resolving
routine ICT-related issues within the company.

Making of Test Calls- To ensure effective communication with the HQ, I called the ICT
department in other port locations every morning as a test call.

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CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 CONCLUSION
The SIWES programme undergone at Nigeria Ports Authority under the department of ICT
afforded me an in-depth exposure to some of the practical industrial aspects of
Networking and Software experience. Working in the organization as well as with some
of their tools broadened my knowledge in computer science and information technology.

I gained new skills and learnt new things during my six month stay, it has been highly
enlightening, beneficial, interesting and successful. The objective of which the scheme
was undergone was however achieved.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

The government and the organizer of the scheme should try and secure establishments
that student will be having their training because so many establishments reject industrial
training students, more-so some students desired to get a good organization but are not
provided with the opportunity Also, students end of SIWES allowance should be paid on
time.

I also recommend my place of attachment Nigeria Ports Authority for schools and
students who are yet to undergo their SIWES .

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CHAPTER FIVE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The last six months of my SIWES journey has been thrilling and every ounce of pain has
been worth it. To my Father for his unwavering support during this period, my mum and
aunt for their constant care and love coupled with prayers it is my deepest wish you reap
this which you have sowed bountifully.

To the family of Iwarere, who provided me accommodation for the 6 months, The General
manager ICT, AGM ICT, principal managers, senior managers and all staffs of the
department of ICT who have in one way or the other added to my growth in knowledge I
deeply express my gratitude.

My SIWES supervisor who ensured he visited me, my course adviser, The H.O.D, and all
staffs of computer science department of igbinedion university okada, Thank you all.

My colleagues who we undergone the SIWES at the same place, Corps members friends
and well wishers, Thank you all.

To Everybody aforementioned in this book and those that impacted that I couldn’t
remember may the love of light we share never go dim, the boy is grateful.

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