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prosper report-1
prosper report-1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The Student's Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) stands as a cornerstone of the Nigerian
educational system, offering students an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap between
theoretical classroom learning and practical industry experience (Omonijo et al., 2019). Envisioned
as a pivotal component of academic curricula, SIWES equips students with hands-on skills and
industry insights that are essential for their professional development and future careers. It emerged
against the backdrop of a pressing need to address the disconnect between academic training and
the demands of the labor market (Osoka, 2018). Recognizing that traditional classroom instruction
alone was insufficient to prepare graduates for the complex ities of modern workplaces, the
Nigerian government, through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Act No. 47 of 1971, instituted
SIWES in 1973. Since then, the program has evolved into a vital mechanism for nurturing a skilled
At the helm of SIWES administration is the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a government agency
mandated to oversee the planning, implementation, and coordination of industrial training activities.
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), established in1971under Decree 47 of 1971 and later amended
in the 2011 ITF Act, has diligently pursued its objective of raising training consciousness and
developing skilled man power for the national economy. Initially a Parastatal "B" in 1971, it
evolved into a Parastatal "A" in 1981, headed by a Director-General under the Ministry of Industry.
Area Offices, and 4 Skills Training Centers, plus Center for Industrial Training Excellence, the ITF
provides various services including Direct Training, Vocational and Apprentice Training,
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Research, Consultancy, and administration of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme
(SIWES) (ITF, 2011). The focus of ITF is on enhancing human performance, improving
productivity, and fostering value- added production in industry and commerce. Programs like
SIWES and Vocational Training aim to build capacity for self-employment and small-scale
industrialization. The ITF, a grade 'A' Parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and
Investment, has operated for 50 years as a specialist agency promoting industrial and commercial
SIWES encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines, ranging from engineering, science, and
technology to agriculture, management, and the arts. Students enrolled in polytechnics, colleges of
technology, and universities actively participate in the program, leveraging it as a platform to gain
practical exposure and refine their skills in diverse fields. The scope of SIWES transcends
geographical boundaries, encompassing placements in both urban and rural settings across Nigeria
(ITF, 2024).
The management of SIWES entails collaborative efforts among multiple stake holders, each with
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Academic institutions serve as the primary conduits for student engagement, liaising with industry
partners to facilitate internship placements and monitor students' progress. Meanwhile, industries
open their doors to aspiring professionals, offering them mentorship, training opportunities, and
firsthand experience in their respective fields. Government agencies, including the ITF, National
Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Universities Commission (NUC) assume
regulatory oversight, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and standards (Omonijo, et al.,
2019).
Within the SIWES ecosystem, each agency or body performs crucial functions to uphold the
integrity and efficacy of the program. Academic institutions spearhead the identification and
allocation of suitable training placements, ensuring alignment with students' academic pursuits and
career aspirations. Industries, in turn, provide a fertile ground for practical learning, exposing
students to real-world challenges, innovations, and industry practices .Government agencies like the
ITF play a pivotal role in policy formulation, program administration, and quality assurance,
safeguarding the interests of students and stakeholders alike. By working collaboratively, these
stakeholders contribute to the holistic management and execution of SIWES, thereby enriching
students' educational experiences and preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields.
The immediate subsequent sections of this Report illustrate cardinal functions of the
Function: The ITF serves as the apex regulatory body responsible for overseeing the planning,
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Responsibilities: The ITF formulates policies, guidelines, and standards governing SIWES
operations, ensuring adherence to best practices and quality assurance. It also facilitates
partnerships between academic institutions and industries, fostering collaborative engagements that
Function: The NBTE serves as a regulatory agency tasked with the promotion and regulation of
Responsibilities: In the context of SIWES, the NBTE collaborates with academic institutions to
develop curricula that align with industry needs and standards. It provides guidance on program
implementation, quality assurance, and curriculum review, ensuring that SIWES remains relevant
Function: The NUC is responsible for the regulation and coordination of university education in
Nigeria.
Responsibilities: Within the SIWES framework, the NUC works closely with universities to
integrate industrial training components into academic programs. It provides accreditation for
SIWES placements, monitors compliance with program requirements, and evaluates the
Function: Academic institutions, including universities and polytechnics, serve as the primary
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Responsibilities: These institutions facilitate the identification and allocation of suitable internship
placements for students, ensuring alignment with academic curricula and learning objectives. They
liaise with industry partners to secure internship opportunities, monitor students' progress during the
attachment period, and provide guidance and support to enhance students' learning experiences.
experience aimed at preparing students for the rigors of professional life (ITF, 2011). These
ii. Equipping students with relevant technical skills, knowledge, and competencies aligned
iii. Fostering synergistic partnerships between academia and industry to facilitate knowledge
iv. Facilitating students’ earless transition from academic study to gainful employment, thereby
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1.7 Benefits of Industrial Training to Students
Participation in SIWES offers multifaceted benefits to students, enriching their academic journey
and positioning them for future success (Omonijo et al., 2019). These benefits include:
iii. Exposure to diverse industry sectors, technologies, and operational practices, broadening
iv. Development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, crucial for
vi. Through SIWES, students embark on a transformative learning journey, gaining insights,
experiences, and capabilities that lay the foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment in
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CHAPTER TWO
Professionals: 400
Non-professionals: 253
Ministry of Work and Transport Benue State is one of the oldest ministries in Benue State.
The ministry of works and transport has the major responsibilities for conceiving, planning,
designing, constructing and maintenance of State Township and rural highways and
The ministry serves as the engineer to the government and is adviser/consultant on all
technical issues. The ministry is essentially a service ministry with only limited revenue
generation through the issuance of road worthiness to vehicles that ply roads within the state.
Structure:
In order to carry out the above stated functions effectively, the ministry is structured into four
directorates namely.
transportation services to the citizens from one point to another within and outside the state.
There also a legal unit that’s headed by the Deputy Director posted from ministry of Justice
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2.1.2 ORGANOGRAM OF THE ORGANIZATION
COMMISIONER
PERMANET SECRETARY
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2.1.3 MISION, VISION AND CURE VALUES OF THE ORGANIZAATIN
MISION
To accelerate the development of the state in the area of developing infrastructures such
VISION
The Ministry’s vision is “to become the most dependable, standard and first class ministry
CORE VALUES
1. Integrity
2. Commitment
3. Responsibility
4. Reliability
5. Creativity
6. Innovation.
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2.2 DEPARTMENT/UNIT DESCRIPTION
Civil engineering department is the department responsible for the construction projects,
conducts site investigation, assesses risk and ensures safe project completion. They
implementation.
projects in the field of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering works as well as
public buildings.
4. Construction and maintenance of all state and rural roads as well as water way
structures
transport services
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CHAPTER THREE
EXPERIENCE AND ACTIVITIES DURING ATTACHMENT
3.1 Daily Activities and Projects
3.1.1 Overview of Tasks and projects
My attachment with the Department of Civil engineering Benue State Ministry of Works and
Transport. I engaged in a wide range of daily activities and projects that enriched my learning
experience and honed my skills in various scientific disciplines. The following is a catalogue
Week One:
2. I learnt Excavation/ digging of surface road side drainage and dug to level
3. I learnt Concrete blinding (base casting) and reinforcement (ion rod) and positioning
Week Two:
3. I learnt Casting of the base (blinding) and reinforcement (ion rod) and positioning
Week Three:
Week Four:
2. I learnt Removing of reinforcement bars and back filling of the drainage system
4. I learnt Marking with level instrument and leveling staff for alignment to be dug.
Week Five:
1. I learnt Construction of sub-grade material and compaction of the sub-grade and spread
it.
Week Six:
1. I learnt Application of surface course or sub- surface and compaction of the sub-
surface
Week Seven:
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Week Eight:
1. I learnt Construction of surface road side drainage and marking out the alignment
Week Nine:
4. I learnt Removing of metals (reinforcement bars) and casting of culverts and slabs
Week Ten:
1. I learnt Marking of the alignment and drawing of lines for the trench to be dug by
surveyor
3. I learnt Casting of base or Hydraulic concrete blinding of the base and reinforcement
4. I learnt Removing of the metals (Reinforcement Bars) and casting of Culverts and
slabs.
Week Eleven:
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Week Twelve: Went for a Break
Week Fourteen:
1. Continuation of site activities such as leveling and setting out culverts and Pavements.
Week Fifteen:
3. Casting of the base (blinding) and reinforcement (ion rod) and positioning
6. Casting of the base (blinding) and reinforcement (ion rod) and positioning
Week Sixteen:
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Throughout my Industrial Training I learnt basically two things which are below
summarized;
1. DRAINAGE CONSTRUCTION.
Procedures:
STEP1: Site Clearance/ Bush Clearing: this was the first operation carried out after the
alignment was carried out for the removal of trees, bushes, boulders and organic matter
STEP2: Setting out and Marking Drainage Alignments: the alignment was marked to the
STEP3: Excavation to Level: the excavation to level was carried out to provide a level
trace, by the designed vertical alignment on which the drainage and cumber was constructed
STEP4: Spreading and Compaction: formation bed of the drainage structure was well
STEP5: Blinding: upon bed leveling and compaction, concrete blinding was done to
remove irregularities and offer a good bed for the placement for concrete while minimizing
differential settlement.
STEP6: Fixing Reinforcement Bars: reinforcement was fixed in the collect position while
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STEP7: Erecting of Formwork: the formwork retained concrete until it set and produced
STEP8: Concrete Casting: concrete was casted to fulfill the requirements for strength and
durability.
Equipments:
2. Tape
4. Trowel
5. Spirit Plumb
6. Shovel
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Spirit Plumb Tape
Shovel
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Plate 3.3: Showing Concrete mixingmachine
Earthwork processes are those processes that involves the in its natural state or form which
Basic earthwork operations may be classified as: clearing and grubbing, Excavation,
This was the first earthwork process or operation that was carried out after the setting out
This process involved the removal of trees, clearing of bushes on and around the site,
clearing of waste (refuse) around the site, demolition of illegal structures from the proposed
construction site. The clearing of the site was done using the grader and the excavator.
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b) Excavation:
This is the act of removing unsuitable soil and replacing with suitable ones from the borrow
pit. The top soil was removed to different depts. depending on the soil nature and level of
water tables. This activity was carried out using the excavator. This machine (plant) was
used to remove the top soil to a dept where it’s a bit stable and good for replacement. The
top soil is loaded on the haulage trucks and taken out so as to be replaced with a better soil
This process involves the handling of suitable soil from the borrow pit and using them to
replace the unsuitable ones on site. Suitable soil used for different layers on site was: Sharp
Machines used for this process includes: grader, sheep foot roller, smooth wheel roller,
The Sub-grade
This is the original layer of the soil on the road or pavement. The subgrade was carried out
to suit the design given. Cutting was done hilly points and used to fill portions that were too
low.
The top soil was taken out and replaced with sharp sand the subgrade was compacted using
the sheep foot roller and the smooth wheel roller to give it a good thickness. The grader was
used to level this layer of construction.
The sub grade was watered using the water truck and compacted severally to give it a good
strength and thickness.
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The surveyors worked hand in hand with the Engineers during this this process to ensure
that there was a proper level and that it follows the given design.
The Sub-base
This is the layer that comes after the sub-grade. The sub-base was constructed using lateritic
soil (literate) which was tested and deemed fit by the engineers before it was used.
The sub-base was imported from the borrow pit and hipped on site. The tractor dozer and
grader was used to spread the literate on site and compaction was done using the sheep foot
roller and the smooth wheel roller. Water was spread throughout the site daily even as the
This is the next layer of the pavement that comes after the sub-base. The lateritic material
used for this layer has a CBR value from 80 to 100%. The layer is rolled over the sub-base
During compaction of this layer, water is sprinkled as well to aid compaction strength. The
Surfacing (Asphalt): The final layer for pavement construction is the surfacing. In this
Laying Of Asphalt
The asphalt was conveyed from the asphalt production plant by highway dumpers (trucks) to
the site. The highway dumpers by using their tipping system dumped the asphalt into the
receiving hopper of the finisher and laying commenced with the paver adjusted to the
desired thickness of 5cm. The thickness was confirmed by the use of an asphalt gauge to test
the thickness.
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Immediately, the manual laborers accompanied the paver to spread the loose asphalt with the
use of rakes. The joints are essential for satisfactory riding surface to be obtained. Poor
joints can be cause weakness in the pavement. Good joints are ensured when longitudinal
joints are made. The finisher overlapped the existing strip by 2cm and sufficient depth.
Compaction was carried out through out. Also, the joints were tack coated before
Compaction of asphalt was followed immediately after the asphalt was laid by the asphalt
paver and thoroughly compacted using smooth wheeled and pneumatic rollers for a number
of times.
Equipments: Pay Loader, Roller Machine, Dumper, Paver, Excavator, Dozer, Grader,
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Figure 3.6: Showing Excavator machine
1. Undertaking surveys
2. Checking technical design and drawings for accuracy and to ensure that they are
followed correctly
3. Ensuring that health and safety and sustainable policies and legislation are adhered
to
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2.2 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTION
Some of the challenges I encountered during Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme
(SIWES) are;
I. I was not opportune to operate heavy machines such as; Roller, Compacting machine,
II. Due to allot of ongoing projects, my industrial training supervisor was not having much
3. Risk management
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3.3 TECHNICAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT
3. Physical skills such as bending, lifting and carrying equipment on the construction
site
1. Trowel
2. Head pan
3. Measuring Tape
4. Mixer Machine
5. Excavator
6. Road Roller
7. Concrete Mixer
8. Watering machine
9. Vibrating Machine
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3.3.3 Application Example
1. Infrastructure development
3. Environmental protection
allowing them to obtain in-depth understanding of their theoretical curriculum while also
allowing them to watch and gain personal experience of the industry, job execution, and
work environment
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CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 SUMMARY
Flexible pavement is the part of the road that carries the traffic (not to be confused with the
footpath), and has a set of layers or material placed over the natural ground (sub-grade). The
pavement layers spread the load of the vehicles so as that it does not exceed the strength
Drainage channel can be made of concrete, stone, or other materials. They should be
installed at the appropriate slope and level to ensure proper water flow.
One of the major challenges I encountered during my SIWES was time duration of the
Training.
I have learnt how to tackle few Engineering errors as well on site and also how to make
The four months Industrial Training helps me to expand my practical experience in my field
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4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on my SIWES experience, I recommend the following clear and feasible action able
suggestions to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of civil engineering training
programs:
1. Provide comprehensive training sessions on trouble shooting common civil engineering
order to make sure that problems faced by participating students during this
programme are minimized and to ensure the smooth running of the scheme and also
(NBTE) and Industrial Training Fund (ITF) so as to meet up the demand of the student
1. The organizations where students are attached should ensure to have a close supervision
of the attached students in other to develop their practical skills making them reach the test
of the society.
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4.3 CONCLUSIONS
The goal of bridging the gap between theory and practical works exists in the Nigeria
avenue to acquire skills and experience needed for post graduate work situation.
Practice your skill: to build myself technical skill is to practice them regularly and apply
To advance my personal and professional growth is to pursue further education that can
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REFERENCES
ITF (2018): Information and Guideline for Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme
SIWES Unit (2017) a Guide to Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) 2 nd
Edition, Unpublished.
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