CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Students’ Industrial Work-experience Scheme (SIWES) is one of the Industrial Training

Fund (ITF) programme which was introduced in 1974 due to the inability of engineering

and technology students in Nigeria universities and polytechnics to meet the practical

aspects of their training. That is, the needs to enable students match their theoretical

school knowledge with the practical aspect of their training in industry. The Training

lasts for six months and four months in the University and Polytechnic respectively. One

of the principles underlying any industrial work experience scheme for students in

institutions of learning is the desire to marry the practical with the theoretical learning

which characterizes conventional classroom situations with a view to striking a balance

between theory and practice. It was in realization of this that the ITF when it was

established, set out to study the extent to which the theoretical knowledge that students in

engineering technology and other allied fields in Nigerian institutions offering technology

based courses related to the kind of work experience expected of them by employers.

The result of the ITF survey showed a great disparity between students’ knowledge and

their ability to apply it in relevant jobs. In order to bridge the gap between the two, the

ITF in 1974 established a co-operative internship programme, which enabled students of

technology to spend some part of their courses for relevant on the-job practical

experiences in appropriate areas of the Nigerian industry (Ekpenyong, 2011). The author
further stressed that the internship programme, SIWES, can therefore be seen as that

which is intended to give Nigerian students studying occupationally related courses

experience that would supplement their theoretical learning as a well of equipping the

students with the needed skills to function in the world of work.

This need to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills in order to produce

results in the form of goods and services or to be productive is the essence and rationale

for industrial training, and a basic requirement for the award of National Diploma.

1.2 BRIEF HISTORY OF SIWES

In recognition of the shortcomings and weakness in the formation of SET graduates,

particularly with respect to acquisition of relevant production skills (RPSs), the Industrial

Training Fund (which was itself established in 1971 by decree 47) initiated the Students’

Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in 1973. The scheme was designed to

expose students to the industrial environment and enable them develop occupational

competencies so that they can readily contribute their quota to national economic and

technological development after graduation.

Consequently, SIWES is a planned and structured programme based on stated and

specific career objectives which are geared toward developing the occupational

competencies of participants.

In spite of the challenges faced by SIWES in the four decades of its existence, the

Scheme has not only raised consciousness and increased awareness about the need for
training of SET students, but has also helped in the formation of skilled and competent

indigenous manpower which has been manning and managing the technological

resources and industrial sectors of the economy. Participation in SIWES has become a

necessary condition for the award of degrees and diplomas to SET students graduating

from higher institutions in Nigeria. It is therefore, not in doubt that SIWES is a veritable

means or tool for National Economic Development.

The main thrust of ITF programmes and services is to stimulate human performance,

improve productivity, and induce value-added production in industry and commerce.

Through its SIWES and Vocational and Apprentice Training Programmes, the Fund also

builds capacity for graduates and youth self-employment, in the context of Small Scale

Industrialization, in the economy.

The Industrial Training Fund is a grade ‘A’ parasternal operating under the aegis of the

Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It has been operating for 42 years as

a specialist agency that promotes and encourages the acquisition of industrial and

commercial skills required for national economic development.

1.2.1 VISION STATEMENT

To be the prime Skills Training Development Organization in Nigeria and one of the best

in the world.

1.2.2 MISSION STATEMENT

To set and regulate standards and offer direct training intervention in industrial and

commercial skills training and development, using a corps of highly competent

professional staff, modern techniques and technology.

1.3 AIM OF SIWES

The effort is aimed at helping/training students in the Nigerian tertiary institutions the

practical aspect of their field of study by exposing students to machines and equipment,

professional work methods and ways of safeguarding the work areas and workers in

industries and other organizations.

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The Industrial Training Fund’s policy Document No. 1 of 1973 which established SIWES

outlined the objectives of the scheme. The objectives are to:

1. It provides an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire

industrial skills and experience during their course of study.

2. It expose Students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and

machinery that may not be available in their institutions.

3. It makes the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance

students’ contact for later job placements and a chance to evaluate companies for

which they might wish to work.

4. It provides students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge in

real work and industrial situations, there by bridging the gap between theory and

practice.

5. The programme teaches the students on how to interact effectively with other

workers and supervisors under various conditions in the organization.

 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 COMPANY PROFILE

In line with the objective of this program, I was privileged to undergo the industrial

training with Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose Limited, Omuooke Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose Limited is a thrift and savings organization which

also gives a long term low interest loan to its members. In addition, they also own a

building which is commercially used for rent as residential building and shop outlets.

Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose society has excelled over the last 30 years and

actually survived bankruptcy around early 2000s when there were huge amount of bad

debts which result as a result of death of members.

2.1 ORGANIZATIONAL ADDRESS

Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose Limited is located in Ekiti State Nigeria, where it

started off as a daily thrift collector August the 14th, 1996 when it commenced in

Nigeria. Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose Limited has its main building located direct

opposite of Nigeria Police Station, Omuooke Ekiti, Ekiti State adjacent BOVAS Filling

Station.

2.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE ESTABLISHMENT

The objective of the society is to improve economic condition of its members and for this

purpose it aims to provide facilities for better farming, better business and better living as

well as carry out work of common economic interest and benefit to the members.
2.3 PLACE OF PRIMARY ASSIGNMENT

In Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose Society Limited, I worked in administrative

department as a student trainee. I worked alongside the secretary which also take the

responsibilities of daily and monthly meeting transactions.

Moreover, the department is responsible day to day activities in the organization such as

attending meeting, taking records, loan processing, loan retrieval and production and

distribution of memos and notes.

2.5 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT

In order to accomplish the objectives stated above, Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose

Society has a chain of officers who foresee different sectors of the organization.

President

General Manager

Internal Chief Human

Chief Manager Operational Resource &
Operations Auditor Accountant Manager

Manager Operations HO Customer

Accountant Service

Branch Manager
Assistant
Accountant
Asst. Branch Manager

IT/ SIWES Students

 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RELEVANCE EXPERIENCE GAINED TO THE FIELD OF STUDY OF

OFFICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

3.1 USAGE AND MAINTENACE OF A PHOTOCOPIER/ PHOTOCOPY

MACHINE

A photocopier (also known as a copier or copy machine) is a machine that makes copies

of documents and other visual images onto paper or plastic film quickly and cheaply.

Most modern photocopiers use a technology called xerography, a dry process that uses

electrostatic charges on a light-sensitive photoreceptor to first attract and then transfer

toner particles (a powder) onto paper in the form of an image. Heat, pressure or a

combination of both is then used to fuse the toner onto the paper. Copiers can also use

other technologies such as ink jet, but xerography is standard for office copying.

Figure 2: A photocopier
3.1.1 HOW TO USE A PHOTOCOPIER

The following is a quick steps to make copies on a photocopier:

 Turn on the Photocopier: The first step you will take in using the photocopier is

making sure it is powered on a plugged up. First, check for plugs, and make sure

that the copier’s cord is plugged into a nearby outlet. Next, look for the power

button. Most copiers have the power button on top, but you may find the switch on

the side. If you find that the unit is already on but is not responding, then it may be

in “sleep” mode. In that case, you can press the “copy” button to see if it responds

to that. Before moving to the next step, you will want to make sure that the copier

has paper in it. The paper tray will be located either on the front or the side of the

device. Fill the tray with paper if you notice that it is empty or the level is low.

 Put Your Document on the Copier: The next step is placing your document on

the copier. You will lift the photocopier’s cover and place your document on the

glass surface. You will want the front of the document facing downward on the

glass. You will also want to place the document the way the guide marks tell you.

You will see the guide marks once you lift the cover. After you have properly

placed your document, you can close the copier cover.

 Select the Number of Copies: You will need to select the number of copies that

you want the copier to make. The copier will have a digital number display and a

set of plus and minus keys so that you can change the quantity. Some models have

numeric keys for this same function.

  Select the Color Preference: Next, you will want to tell the photocopier whether

you would like color copies or black and white copies. The unit will have a

dedicated button for this selection. Press the button to make your changes.

 Select Paper Size: After you select the color preference, you will want to select

the correct paper size. 8.5 x 11 inches is the standard paper size. If you need to use

a special paper size, then you will have to feed the paper into the tray.

 Press the Copy Button: Finally, you will press the “copy” button to print your

copies. Some units have the copy button labeled as a start button. Once you press

the copy button, your copies will start printing. You may stand in front of the

copier while is it printing so that you catch any errors immediately.

3.1.2 MAINTENANCE OF A PHOTOCOPY MACHINE

Given the importance of a photocopier to daily activities, it is also necessary to maintain

it to ensure smooth running of the daily activities. I learnt the following safety

precautions and tips that can be carried out to maintain the machine:

 Read your machine’s user manual to know pertinent information about it. This can

arm you with the knowledge you need to properly care for your photocopier.

 To avoid electrical accidents, always make sure that you turn off the power before

cleaning the copier.

 Thoroughly clean and inspect your photocopier every day. This simple task can

significantly extend the life of your machine.

 Daily care and maintenance tasks include removing paper drawers, checking for

stuck paper, clearing paper jams, checking toner levels and cleaning rollers and

glass.

 Complete internal cleaning must be done at least once a year. This includes

cleaning paper path and filters.

 Keep your copy machine presentable by cleaning its exterior. Use a lint-free cloth

to wipe it.

 For the interior, remove dust using a soft, dry cloth. Meanwhile, for hard-to-reach

areas, you may use a can of compressed air.

 An accumulation of dust and dirt on your photocopier’s glass may result in marks

or lines on your copied documents. Prevent this from happening by wiping the

glass using a non-abrasive cloth sprayed with glass cleaner. Never ever spray the

glass cleaner directly on the glass.

 Staples and paper clips may scratch the photocopier’s glass. So, make sure you

remove them before scanning or copying documents.

 A thin paintbrush is very helpful in cleaning the grooves of paper trays.

 Paper jams are often the result of toner residue and dust settling on the paper

rollers. Free these rollers from dust and toner residue; wipe them with cloth

dampened with water only. Unless stated in the manual, never use chemical

cleaners for this component.

 Use cotton swabs dipped in water or isopropyl alcohol to get rid of dust found on

the cartridge area or on top of ink nozzles.

 As much as possible, only use high quality paper as this can lessen shavings, paper

debris and dust inside the printer.

 Do not load wet or damp paper into your machine.

 Always be gentle when loading paper. Moreover, never force the paper in because

this can jam the copier.

 For replacements, only use top of the line or manufacturer-approved toners, inks

or spare parts.

 Copier cartridges should be replaced regularly.

 Monitor supply parts like drum units. Replace them before they get worn out or

broken.

 Schedule regular service maintenance checks for your photocopier. Admittedly,

even if you clean your photocopier every day and observe the best maintenance

practices, there are areas or parts you wouldn’t be able to clean. Moreover, there

are minor problems you may not notice. This is why a regular professional service

maintenance check is important. It can help detect problems before they become

full blown and help you avoid spending on costly repairs.

 When your photocopier malfunctions, enlist the services of a professional

technician. Professional technicians underwent rigorous trainings which equipped

 them with the technical know-hows and skills necessary in resolving photocopier-

related problems.

3.2 THE USE OF FILING CABINET

A filing cabinet is a piece of office furniture usually used to store paper documents in file

folders. In the simplest context, it is an enclosure for drawers in which items are stored.

The two most common forms of filing cabinets are vertical files and lateral files. A

vertical file cabinet has drawers that extend from the short side (typically 15 inches) of

the cabinet. A lateral file cabinet has drawers that extend from the long side (various

lengths) of the cabinet. These are also called side filers in Great Britain. There are also

shelf files, which go on shelves. In the United States, file cabinets are usually built to

accommodate 8.5 × 11 paper, and in other countries, filing cabinets are often designed to

hold other sizes of paper, such as A4 paper.

Figure 3: Filing Cabinet

3.2.1 USES OF THE FILING CABINET
One of the best kinds of office storage systems is filing cabinets. These storage units can

perform a number of functions that can enhance everyday operations. This makes it

essential for companies to include filing cabinets in their offices.

 The best advantage of a filing cabinet is perhaps their ability to hold large amounts

of files without taking up too much floor space.

 Filing cabinets also make it possible for employees to categorize and store files

and folders. This makes it easier for employees to retrieve information and

increases productivity.

 Having all the necessary files and folders stored in a single place can reduce loss

of company information or damage to the filing cabinet’s contents.

 Companies can also increase security to the files and folders that are stored in the

filing cabinet by getting fire-proof units.

 CHAPTER FOUR

5.0 CONCLUSION

This report has been able to x-ray an account of the entire work – experience garnered by

me during my SIWES program at Omuooke Cooperative Multipurpose Limited,

Omuooke Ekiti, Ekiti State which is a core scheme in ITF and which is saddled with the

responsibility of strengthening the effective teaching and learning of skill based course

such as an Office Technologist and Manager. I therefore concludes that SIWES is of

great benefit to students in tertiary institutions. It therefore implies that the proper and

effective administration of SIWES will go a long way in boosting and enhancing the

competencies of the workforce of the country. I also concluded that SIWES is confronted

with series of challenges and this may have hindered the realization of the goals and

objectives of the scheme and it therefore needs to be given attention by all concerned

stakeholders. Also, my general relationship with people and also work ethics has

increased greatly.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION TO THE ORGANIZATION AND THE

POLYTECHNIC CONCERNING THE SIWES PROGRAMME

In view of the relevance of the SIWES program, it is important that it is sustained by the

government through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) as it exposes the student to work

tools, facilities, and equipment that may not be available in their respective institutions in

relation to their course of study. To this end, I recommend that the following under-listed

points should be implemented:

 i. Students’ Industrial Works Experience Scheme (SIWES) needs to be strengthened

by all concerned stakeholder in order for its objectives to be fully realized.

ii. Regular monthly allowances for students on attachment should be paid promptly.

iii. Organizations should always accept students for SIWES and subsequently assign

them to relevant jobs.

iv. Experience staff should always be made to train the students on attachment

v. There should be more funding of the scheme by the government in order for it to

be more effective.

vi. The companies should put in place all the necessary facilities needed to enhance

the knowledge of the student in industrial attachment.

vii. It will be of great benefit if the institution can create a platform whereby student

can obtain pre SIWES knowledge or excursion programs, before student embark

for general 4 months industrial training programme.