CHAPTER ONE

1.0 BRIEF BACKGROUND OF SIWES

The five capitalized letters “SIWES” means the “Student Industrial Work
Experience Scheme”
SIWES was founded in 1973 by ITF (Industrial Training Funds) to address the
problem of tertiary institution graduates' lack of appropriate skills for employment
in Nigerian industries. The Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)
was founded to be a skill training programme to help expose and prepare students of
universities, Polytechnics and colleges of education for the industrial work situation
to be met after graduation.
This system facilitates the transfer from the classroom to the workplace and aids in
the application of knowledge. The program allows students to become acquainted
with and exposed to the experience required in handling and operating equipment
and machinery that are typically not available at their schools.
Prior to the establishment of this scheme, there was a rising concern and trend among
industrialists that graduates from higher education institutions lacked appropriate
practical experience for employment. Students who entered Nigerian universities to
study science and technology were not previously trained in the practical aspects of
their chosen fields. As a result of their lack of work experience, they had difficulty
finding work.
As a result, employers believed that theoretical education in higher education was
unresponsive to the needs of labor employers. Thousands of Nigerians faced this
difficulty till 1973. The fund's main motivation for establishing and designing the
scheme in 1973/74 was launched against this context.
The ITF (Industrial Training Fund) organization decided to aid all interested
Nigerian students and created the SIWES program. The federal government
officially approved and presented it in 1974. During its early years, the scheme was
entirely supported by the ITF, but as the financial commitment became too much for
the fund, it withdrew in 1978. The National Universities Commission (NUC) and
the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) were given control of the
scheme by the federal government in 1979. The federal government handed over
supervision and implementation of the scheme to ITF in November 1984. It was
taken over by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in July 1985, with the federal
government bearing entire responsibility for funding.

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1.1 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES
SIWES is strategized for skill acquisition. It is in fact designed to prepare and expose
students of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to the real-life work
situation they would be engaged in after graduation. Therefore, SIWES is a key
factor required to inject and help keep alive industrialization and economic
development in the nation through the introduction and practical teaching of
scientific and technological skills to students. (https://nigerianfinder.com).

The Industrial Training Fund‟s Policy Document No. 1 of 1973 which established
SIWES outlined the objectives of the scheme as:
• Provide an avenue for students in Institutions of higher learning to acquire
industrial skills and experience in their respective courses of study.
• Prepare students for the Industrial Work situation they are likely to experience
after graduation.
• Expose students to work methods and techniques of handling equipment and
machinery that may not be available in their Institutions.
• Make the transition from school to the world of work easier; and enhance
students‟ networks for later job placements.
• Provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real work
situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice; and
• Enlist and strengthen Employers‟ involvement in the entire educational process;
thereby preparing the students for employment in Industry and Commerce.

1.2 DURATION OF ATTACHMENT FOR SIWES FUNDING

One requirement for the Bachelor of Technology or Science award is that students
must complete at least 16 to 24 weeks of Industrial Training. In most FUTMINNA
departments, SIWES is done at the end of the 1st-semester examination of 400 level.
The time and duration are to be worked out jointly by the university, department, the
SIWES unit, and the ITF.

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 CHAPTER TWO
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ESTABLISHMENT
Works and services are one of the 11 departments that make up the organizational
structure of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH which
is located in Wammako LGA of Sokoto state. Works and services department is
responsible for the management and maintenance of the hospital’s physical
infrastructure, including buildings, equipment and utilities. The department ensures
that the hospital facilities are safe, functional and meet the standards required for
effective healthcare delivery.

2.1 OBJECTIVES OF UDUTH WORKS AND SERVICES

The main objectives of works and services are stated as follows:
• Infrastructure maintenance
• Hospital Facilities management
• Planning, designing and execution of capital projects aimed at expanding and
upgrading hospital infrastructure to meet growing healthcare needs of the
community
• Safety and compliance with regulatory requirements so as to ensure safety of
patients, staffs and visitors within the hospital premises
• Budget management
• Collaboration and coordination with other departments
• Quality assurance
• Environmental sustainability
• Community engagement
• Continuous improvement

2.2 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF UDUTH WORKS AND SERVICES

The following provides an overview of the organizational structure of works and
services:
1. Head of Works and Services: this is the highest-ranking official in the
department and oversees the overall operations. This individual report directly
to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) or deputy CMD of the hospital and is
responsible for strategic planning and decision making

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 2. Engineering section: they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of
the hospitals electrical, mechanical and civil infrastructure.
3. Maintenance section: they are responsible for preventive maintenance and
repairs of hospital equipment such as medical devices, generators,
refrigeration units and other specialised equipment.
4. Building and construction section: this section handles all construction and
renovation activities within the hospital premises. They are responsible for the
planning, coordinating and supervising construction projects, ensuring
compliance with building codes, safety regulations and hospital standards.
5. Transportation section: they manage the hospitals fleet of vehicles, ensuring
proper functioning, maintenance and servicing.
6. ICT Section: the information and communication technology (ICT) section
provides technical support and manages the hospitals computer systems,
network infrastructure, telecommunications and connectivity.
7. Environmental services section: this section focuses on maintaining a clean
safe and hygienic environment within the hospital premises.

2.3 MY DUTIES
I was posted to the Civil/Building Construction unit under the supervision of Arch.
Aminu Ambaya.
The following responsibilities were assigned to me:
• Providing necessary building designs required on CAD
• Supervision of construction workers and technicians on site
• Making enquiries on site so as to gain experience
• Reading and assisting the technicians in the construction process in
accordance to the designs/drawing.
• Assisting in supervision of maintenance works on the hospital premises

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 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 ACTUAL WORK DONE IN THE CIVIL/BUILDING UNIT
I did various activities in the works and services department. In the civil/building
unit, the major work is designing and implementation of the design which I partake
in it rigorously. During the course of my SIWES, I was privilege to participate and
being among the team supervising the construction of the proposed eye complex in
UDUTH, Sokoto. I was involved in the following projects during the course of my
Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES):
• Construction of proposed eye complex in UDUTH
• Construction of proposed doctors lodge in UDUTH Quarters
• Designing the renovation plan of works and services department premises on
CAD
• Redesigning of the UDUTH Administration buildings parking lot on CAD
• Designing the as-built floor plan of UDUTH Mortuary on CAD for renovation
purposes
• Designing of the as-built floor plans of UDUTH administration building on
CAD
• Designing of three-bedroom bungalow and four-bedroom terrace duplex on
CAD which was assigned by the head of civil/building unit.

3.1 EXPERIENCE GAINED

Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) helped me to obtain a much
practical experience in some area of Fabrication and construction work. Below are
some of experiences gained during the Students' Industrial Work Experience
Scheme (SIWES) programme in accordance to the aim and objective of Students'
Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
• I acquired industrial skills and experience respect to my course of study.
• Exposure to work methods and techniques of handling equipment and
machinery that are not be available in the Institution.
• I was able to understand the technique of designing and installation of
plumbing system in respect to fluid dynamics.
• I learnt the practical usage of software (Revit Architecture) to provide 2D and
3D designs.

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 • I learnt how to interact and have effective communication with clients, co-
workers, technicians and layman.
• I was able to apply what I’ve learnt in class to reality

3.2 PICTURE STORY

1. Proposed UDUTH works

and services renovation plan

3D view

2. UDUTH Admin block

parking lot plan

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3. UDUTH mortuary as-
built floor plan

4. UDUTH admin block as-

built floorplan- ground floor

First floor plan

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 5. proposed 3-bedroom
bungalow design- floor plan

6. proposed 4-bedroom terraced duplex design- ground floor and first floor

3d view

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 SITEWORKS
PROPOSED EYE COMPLEX UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT UDUTH
The proposed eye complex under construction at UDUTH, which consists of two floors,
was already at superstructure stage during the commencement of my IT Program as of
October 9th, 2023.
Lessons Taken On Site:

Reinforcement steel bars specifications used on site:

1. Y16 mm diameter steel bars: used in the foundation footings, providing

enhanced strength to support the structure.
2. Y12 mm diameter steel bars: used to reinforce the beams, columns, lintels and
staircase in the building structure to provide strength and reinforcement against
bending forces, ensuring structural stability. Y12mm are also used in
reinforcement of the upper floor slab.

Building Bricks Used: 9 inches thick sandcrete hollow blocks for both internal and
external wall erections, using mortar at mixing ratio of 1 part of cement to 3 parts of
sand (1:3) and water.

Mixing Ratio for Plastering: common mix ranges from 1 part of cement to 3-5 parts
of sand and sufficient water to achieve the desired consistency.

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Mixing Ratio for Floor Screed: 1 part of cement, 3 parts of sand and enough water to
make a workable mix.

Roofing

Materials and tools used:

• Long span aluminium roofing sheets

• Timber beams, rafters and battens
• Roofing nails
• Hammer
• Saw or cutting tools
• Measuring tape

Roofing procedure:

1. Preparation of timber framework: the roof pitch is determined and timber

framework is designed accordingly, including rafters, tie beams and battens.
Framework must be correctly sized and spaced according to the appropriate
building codes.
2. Installation of eave and ridge boards: the eave boards are placed along the
bottom edge of the roof structure and ridge boards are placed at the peak or top
edge to provide support and alignment for the roofing sheets.
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3. Installation of rafters and purlins: rafters are placed and secured across the roof
structure, ensuring that they are properly spaced and aligned. Purlins are then
added for additional support between the rafters.
4. Cutting and Fitting aluminium sheets: aluminium sheets are measured and cut
according to the required size using appropriate cutting tools, ensuring that they
overhang the eaves to allow water drainage into gutters. The first sheet is placed
along the eave, aligning it properly and ensuring it is perpendicular to the
roofline.
5. Fixing aluminium sheets: roofing nails are used to secure the aluminium sheets
to the timber framework. Fasteners are placed at regular intervals along the
edges and at the overlaps to prevent lifting and ensure a secure fit. subsequent
sheets are then installed, overlapping them according to design requirements.
6. Flashing and trimming: they installed flashing at roof joints, valleys, and other
vulnerable areas to prevent water penetration. Use appropriate trims and edging
to finish and protect the roof edges.
7. Ventilation and finishing: they provided adequate ventilation if needed by
adding vents and ridge caps to allow airflow beneath the roof. Inspect the
installed roofing to ensure proper alignment, secure fastening, and the absence
of gaps or any potential leak points.

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SPROPOSED DOCTORS LODGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT UDUTH
QUARTERS

The proposed Doctors Lodge at UDUTH Quarters, which consists of two floors, was
already near completion during the commencement of my IT Program as of October
9th, 2023. I accompanied the technical staff in general inspection of the building.
During inspection, we checked for:
• Quality of plaster used and possible cracks
• Quality of rails
• Proper positioning of burglary and window frames
• Door placement problems
• Quality of floor screeds
• Tiling works
• Staircase alignment problems
• Smoothening of rough surfaces

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 Construction Of The Two Septic Tanks At New Doctors’ Lodge

Materials used:
• 9 inches thick sandcrete hollow blocks
• Mortar, plaster and Concrete
• Reinforcement bars- Y12mm diameter bars most suitable
• Gravel
• Waterproofing materials

Procedure for construction:

1. Design and layout: the septic tank is designed based on the buildings estimated
wastewater volume and soil percolation rates, Marking the tanks dimensions
and layout on the excavated area.

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2. Excavation: the soil is excavated according to the septic tank design
dimensions, ensuring proper depth and space for the tanks installation.
3. Setting up formworks: formworks or moulds are set up using wooden planks to
define the shape and walls of the septic tank within the excavated area.
4. Placing reinforcement: the reinforcement steel rods are placed within the
formwork.

5. Concrete pouring: pour concrete into the forms, ensuring it fills the entire space
and completely covers the reinforcement bars. Consolidate the concrete to
remove air pockets and achieve a solid structure.

6. Curing and waterproofing: allow the concrete to cure and gain strength. Apply
water proofing materials or coatings to prevent water leakage from the tank.

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 7. Installation of inlet and outlet pipes: they were installed in the designated
locations of the septic tank to connect the household` plumbing and direct
effluent to the drain field.
8. Backfilling and covering: the excavated area is backfilled around the septic tank
with soil. Ensuring proper compaction to support the tanks weight. Place a
sturdy cover or lid over the tank for access and safety.

4.1 OTHER SITEWORKS OUTSIDE UDUTH WORK SERVICES

SETTING OUT ON SITE LOCATED AT GAAGI AREA
The type of setting-out used on the site is one that involves the use of sandcrete blocks
and stretched threads to create a visible reference for guiding the construction process.

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 Method Of Setting-Out Using Sandcrete Hollow Blocks And Threads:
1. Placement of sandcrete blocks: they began by placing sandcrete hollow blocks
at specific intervals along the proposed layout lines. These blocks act as anchor
points and reference markers for the setting out.
2. Attaching threads: they tied strong threads securely between the sandcrete
blocks, creating straight lines. These threads establish the exact position and
direction of the proposed walls and columns.
3. Alignment and adjustment: they ensured the threads are correctly aligned with
the desired layout and design dimensions, adjusting the positions of the
sandcrete blocks if needed to maintain the accuracy of the threads.
4. Marking reference points: they used the threads as guidelines to mark reference
points with powdered chalk or other suitable materials. These marks indicate
the positions for excavation where elements of the construction will be located.
5. Verification and adjustment: they verified the accuracy of the marked reference
points by cross-checking measurements and dimensions against the
construction drawings or plans, making any necessary adjustments to maintain
precision.

Advantages Of Using This Type Of Setting-Out Procedure:

1. Visibility: the stretched threads provide clear and visible reference for the
workers, guiding in the accurate positioning of structural elements.
2. Flexibility: it allowed for easy adjustment to layout during the initial stages
before construction begins, ensuring accuracy.
3. Cost-effectiveness: sandcrete blocks are readily available and affordable,
making this setting-out method cost-effective compared to more complex
surveying techniques.

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LESSONS TAKEN ON SITE LOCATED BESIDE ZAMSON OIL AND GAS
AREA
The Concrete Mixer: concrete mixers have a rotating drum designed to produce a
concrete at much faster rate without segregation of the mix. The mixer used on the
site has an output of up to 200 litres per batch with wheelbarrow transportation.

Procedure for Construction Of Beams And Columns On Site

1. Formwork: this is done by the carpenter on site. He creates sturdy mould using
wooden planks. Formwork defines the shape and size of the beam or column.
2. Placing reinforcement: the reinforcement steel rods are placed within the
formwork according to the structural engineer’s specifications. Reinforcement
provides load bearing strength to the concrete.

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3. Pouring concrete: once the reinforcement is placed, freshly mixed concrete is
then poured into the formwork. Proper compaction must be ensured to remove
air bubbles and achieve maximum strength.
4. Curing: allow the concrete to cure and gain strength. Curing can involve
covering the structure with wet cloth, applying curing compounds, or water
curing (most commonly used), depending on project requirements.
5. Removing formwork: after the concrete has sufficiently cured, the formwork is
carefully removed.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY OF EXECUTED ACTIVITIES

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme established by the Federal

Government of Nigeria was aimed at exposing students of higher institutions to
acquire industrial skill and practical experience in their approved courses of study and
also to prepare the student for the industrial work situation which they are likely to
meet after graduation.

This report is based on the experiences gained during my four months SIWES
programme at Works and Services Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University
Teaching Hospital, Wammako, Sokoto State. This report highlights the designing and
construction of building whereby I carried out the architectural designs and
supervision of building constructions both within and outside UDUTH premises.

5.1 PROBLEMS ENOUNTERED

• COMMUNICATION- During my period of SIWES, most of the skilled and

unskilled workers lack effective communication skills which make it uneasy to
have a hitch-free plan. A lack of communication can ultimately lead to low
morale. Because ineffective communication can create misunderstandings,
missed opportunities, conflict, the dissemination of misinformation, and
mistrust, employees might just feel overall defeated.
• UNSAFE ACTS AND CONDITIONS- Unsafe Conditions can be defined as
workplace environment risks to workers that may or may not have been
identified, such as biological, chemical, electrical, environmental, mechanical,
and physical conditions. Unsafe Acts can be defined as an employee ignoring
the prescribed safety standards or company policies. Safety environment and
conditions are major challenges that construction workers face in construction.
There is lot of accidents and hazards that could have been avoided on
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 construction but due to negligence and lack of safety training for workers do
result to unsafe conditions and acts.
5.2 SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM ENCOUNTER
• COMMUNICATION Effective communication is the process of
exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the
message is received and understood with clarity and purpose. Effective
communication is an important skill that every skilled and unskilled worker
needs to be educated about. Effective communication is a skill that every
worker has.
• SAFE ACTS AND CONDITIONS Safe condition means a condition that
does not pose or constitute an undue or unreasonable hazards or risk to life,
limb or health of any person on or about the property, and includes a
structurally sound condition.

5.1 CONCLUSION

Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme has really help in acquisition of practical
knowledge related to one’s field of study which will help student during their
remaining undergraduate days at higher institution and after graduation. The
government and the school should collaborate with eligible company in respective
courses to achieve greater aims and objectives of Student Industrial Work Experience
(SIWES).

5.3 RECOMMENDATION

Diverse organization should be underlined more about the system to ease the training
of students. The continuity of the student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES)
has helped to bond the gap between theory and practical knowledge of students.

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