FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

P.M.B.1526 OWERRI

A REPORT ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE

SCHEME (SIWES) 400 LEVEL

DONE AT

NIGERIAN PORT AUTHORITY

P.M.B 4053 RIVERS PORT COMPLEX

DONE BY

IBEAKO CHINENYE BLESSING

20191151405

SUBMITTED TO

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE AWARD OF THE BACHELOR DEGREE (B. Tech) IN SCHOOL OF

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

MAY, 2024

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 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to Almighty God who has been all merciful to bring me to this stage of
my life. He has been with me and carried me all the days of my life, especially during my
Industrial Training period. He is the reason why I have content to write in this report.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I want to thank God who gave me strength and endurance throughout this IT period.

Also, to my parents, Mr and Mrs Ibeako who made sure I was comfortable, by providing all I
needed to keep up during the industrial training, thanks.

I sincerely want to thank Dr. Mustapha and Dr. Dauda who were the heads of the two sections
where I did my IT in NIGERIA PORT AUTHORITY, Thank you for taking me through all that I
am supposed to know in your sections.

I also want to thank Mrs. Otti, for the love and all the training she gave me during my stay in the
general laboratory.

I also want to acknowledge my able HOD. Prof. Linus, A. Nwogu and my Course Adviser, Mr
Thaddeus Onyebuchi Ukwueze, my department SIWES coordinator, and my university-based
supervisor Dr. Mrs Ifeyinwa.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the university management for establishing this framework for
the Industrial Training Program, and making it compulsory as it helped students gain quality
practical knowledge in their various fields.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Table of contents

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme

1.1Brief History of SIWES

1.2 Benefits of SIWES

1.3 Objectives of SIWES

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 History of Nigerian Port Authority

2.1 Historical background of Nigerian Port Authority

2.2 Organisational Address of Nigerian Port Authority

2.3 Vision of Nigerian Port Authority

2.4 Mission of Nigerian Port Authority

2.5 Equipment, Tools used in the laboratory

2.6 Basic roles of the laboratory scientists in Nigerian Port Authority

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Industrial training Experience

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3.1 Equipment and Material Testing Laboratory

3.2 Safety and Precautions in The Laboratory

3.3 Instrumentation

3.4 Test carried out in the laboratory

3.4.1 Blood sugar Test

3.4.2 Hematology Test

3.4.3 Blood grouping Test

3.4.4 Malaria Parsite Test E.t.c

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Challenges Faced During the Period of Industrial Training

4.1 Conclusion

4.2 Recommendation To SIWES

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 3.1: Electric weighing balance 17

Fig 3. Universal testing machine 17

Fig 3.1.2 Fume cupboard 17

Fig 3.1.3 Electrophoresis machine 17

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 BRIEF HISTORY OF SIWES

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a Skills Training Program
designed to prepare and expose Students of Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Technology,
Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of Education for the Industrial Work situation they are
likely to meet after graduation. The Scheme affords Students the opportunity of familiarizing and
exposing themselves to handling equipment and machinery that are usually available in their
institutions. Before the establishment of the Scheme, there was a growing concern that graduates
of our institutions of higher learning lacked adequate practical knowledge and that the theoretical
education in Higher Institutions was not responsive to the needs of the Employers of Labor.
It is against this background that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) initiated, designed and
introduced SIWES Scheme in 1973 to acquaint Students with the skills of handling Industrial
equipment and machinery.
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) solely funded the Scheme during its formative years.

However, due to financial constraints, the Fund withdrew from the Scheme in 1978. The Federal

Government noting the significance of the skills training handed the management of the Scheme

to the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education

(NBTE) in 1979.

1.1 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

Specifically, the objectives of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) are to:
a. Provide avenue for Students in Institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial skills
and experience in their course of study.
b. Expose Students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery
that may not be available in their Institutions.

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 c. Make the transition from school to the world of work easier, and enhance Students
contacts for later job placements.
d. Provide Students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work situation
thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
e. Enlist and strengthen Employers involvement in the entire educational process and
prepare Students for employment after graduation.

However, these set objectives of SIWES have been seriously constrained by gross under-funding
of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) by the Federal Government of Nigeria. SIWES, if properly
funded, will surely develop the much needed highly skilled and articulated labor force required
to build an indigenous self-reliant economy that is capable of meeting the challenges of the
country’s manpower needs.

STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED IN SIWES OPERATION

1) Federal Government:

2) They provide adequate funds to the ITF through the Federal Ministry of Commerce and

Industry.

3) They make policies to guide and regulate the scheme nationally.

4) They make it mandatory for all ministries, companies, and parastatals to offer places for

students' attachment by providing Decree No. 47 of 1974 as amended in 1990.

Industrial Training Fund:

1) Formulate policies and guidelines on SIWES for all SIWES participating institutions and

companies involved in the scheme.

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2) Regularly organize orientation programs.

3) Process master and placement lists.

4) Supervise students on industrial training attachment.

5) Disburse supervisory and student allowance.

6) Organize biennial SIWES national conference and SIWES review meetings.

Supervising Agencies:

1) Ensure the establishment and accreditation of SIWES units in institutions under the

jurisdiction.

2) Direct the appointment of a full-time SIWES coordinator.

3) Ensure adequate funding of SIWES units in all institutions.

4) Vet and approve master and placement lists of students from participating institutions and

forward same to Industrial Training Fund.

5) Develop, monitor, and review job specifications in collaboration with the institutions

toward maintaining national minimum academic standards for all programs approved by

SIWES.

The Tertiary Institutions

1) Establish SIWES coordinating units with a separate account, adequately staffed and

funded to ensure the effective operation of the scheme.

2) Appoint SIWES coordinator and supporting staff.

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 3) Prepare and submit master and placement lists not later than 31 st March and 31st May of

each SIWES year respectively to ITF. Submission must be made through the supervisory

agency.

The Employers:

1) Collaboration with institutions in the preparation of job specifications for approved

courses for SIWES.

2) Accept students for industrial attachment stipulated in ITF decree No. 47 of 1973 as

amended in 2011.

3) Provide welfare services like medical care and pay for hospitalization of students on

attachment whenever the need arises.

The students:

1) To attend the institution’s SIWES orientation program before going on attachment.

2) To be obedient to constituted authorities and adhere strictly to all the rules and

regulations of the organization to which students are attached.

3) To be regular and punctual at respective places of attachment’

4) To avoid change of place of attachment, except in special circumstances which must be

determined and approved by their institutions’ supervisors, the employer, and the ITF?

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 BENEFITS OF SIWES

a. Foster close collaboration between academic institutions and industries.

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 b. Students enhance their intellectual capabilities by independently making technical

decisions, analyzing intricate interdisciplinary issues, and proposing solutions to real-

world challenges. This autonomy fosters intellectual growth.

c. Industries benefit by evaluating potential employees and assessing their suitability for

future employment post-graduation.

d. This engagement leads to a reduction in the cost of human capital development for

companies.

e. Establishing a direct connection between industries and educational institutions allows

industries to tap into the knowledge pool and research outputs generated by the institution

f. It supplements the theoretical knowledge that students acquire during their academic

studies. This practical application allows students to implement the theoretical concepts

learned in school, enhancing their understanding and supporting teachers’ educational

efforts upon their return to the classroom.

g. Staff members participating in industry advisory visits gain valuable insights into real-

world operations through interactions with industry professionals. This experience can

also contribute to updating their research endeavors.

2.0 HISTORY OF NIGERIAN PORT AUTHORITY

I was privileged to work with the Nigerian Ports Authority Rivers Port Complex Port Harcourt,

aligning with the program’s objective.

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Nigerian Port Authority is a Federal Government Agency that governs and operates the ports of

Nigeria. The major ports controlled by the NPA includes: the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can

Island Port in Lagos, Calabar Port, Delta Port, Rivers Port at Port Harcourt, and Onne Port. The

operations of the NPA are carried out in affiliation with the presidency of (Nigerian) and the

Nigerian Shippers Council. The head office of the NPA is located in Marina, Lagos. The NPA is

Maritime Company that provides and operates necessary facilities in ports and maintains,

improves and regulates the use the ports and provides for matters connected therewith. The Port

serves as a medium to import and export of goods including refined petroleum, AGO, Gypsum

in bulk, salt in bag, naphtha, frozen fish, bagged cement, lead/zinc, wheat grain, sugar, malt,

crude oil, bitumen, caustic soda, butane, chemicals etc. through cargos.

2.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY

The Nigerian Ports Authority, was established as a continuous Public Corporation by the Ports

Acts in the year 1954 to address the institutional weakness that bordered on lack of coherent

policy framework as ports development were done and driven by changes on the level and

demand of sea-borne trade.

2.2 ORGANIZATIONAL ADDRESS

Nigerian Ports Authority, Rivers Port Complex is located along industry road off spar, Port

Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

2.3 VISION OF NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY.

Nigerian Ports Authority, Rivers Port Complex envisions to be the leading Port in Africa.

2.4 MISSION OF NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY.

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To deliver efficient port services in a safe, secure and customer-friendly environment.

DEPARTMENTS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

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Harbours Department:

 Responsible for the pilotage services, safe berthing and un-berthing of ships.

 Training and licensing of marine pilots.

 Handling and maintenance of the Authority’s water crafts and vessels traffic

control.

Vessels Management/ Dockyard Department:

 Specializes in the repairs and maintenance of the Authority’s vessels/crafts.

Hydrography Department:

 Responsible for the supervision, participation and deepening of the bonny channel

and river.

Environment Department:

 Responsible for primary duty to ensure that the port operators comply with

environmental laws governing their various operations.

 Regulation of environmental surveillance on terminal and jetties.

Traffic Department:

 Supervision of the water supply to vessels on request during the review period.

 Responsible for the registration of shipping agents/ companies after complying

with the necessary requirement.

Tariff and Billing Department:

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  Ensures revenue was gained by raising bills on all legitimate operations in the

port.

Fire Service Department:

 Responsible for fire prevention, protection and operation.

Safety Department:

 Responsible for the monitoring and ensuring implementation of a safe system of

work for improving health and safety of personnel and properties in Rivers Port.

Security Department:

 Responsible for the protection of lives and properties of the organization.

Accounts Department:

 Handles all the revenue collected and operating expenditures in the port.

Stores Department:

 Responsible for the receiving of goods in the port.

Procurement Department:

 Procuring materials necessary for the proper and effective running of the port.

Internal Audit:

 Responsible for monitoring bills certified for payment.

 Witnessing of purchase and certification of goods received.

Enterprise Risk Management Department:

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  Responsible for the monitoring of concessionaries.

 Plays advisory roles to officers and staff on insurance related matters.

Human Resources and Administration Department:

 Responsible for the employee strength

Legal Department:

 Responsible for contractor’s registration, agreement, legal opinions and litigation.

Training Department:

 Responsible for the training and re-training of officers and staff, laying emphasis

on security and safety.

Medical Department:

 Responsible for preventive health care to all the employees.

Corporate and Strategic Communication Department:

 Creates cordial relationship between Management and the public

 Hosting community matters, planning adverts etc.

Corporate and Strategic Planning Department:

 The databank of the Port.

 Responsible for the generation of data and information.

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Engineering Department:

 Responsible for monitoring developmental projects and infrastructural

maintenance.

Estate Department:

 Responsible for jetty inspections, demand notes etc.

2.5 EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND PRODUCTS OBTAINABLE IN THE MEDICAL LAB

Some tools used in NIGERIAN PORT AUTHORITY LAB includes; microscope, Hematology
analyser, Blood gas cylinders, Centrifuge, Autoclave, Incubator, Sample collection bottles, Blood
roller mixer, Test strips, e.t.c.

2.6. BASIC ROLES OF THE LABORATORY

The basic roles of the Medical Lab is just to carry out some basic test which includes;

• Blood grouping.

• Genotyping.

• Prostrate Test.

• Pregnancy Test.

• HIV/AIDS Test. E.t.c

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 INDUSTRIAL TRAINING EXPERIENCE

During my industrial training process at the NIGERIAN PORT AUTHORITY , I was a trainee student
at the medical laboratory.
We major only basically on the health matters of patients, we also carry out basic body test and blood
test.
I was opportuned to have basic knowledge on how to carry out some basic body functional tests, I was
also taught the basic rules and regulations, safety measures and safety equipments needed In a medical
laboratory.

3.1 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL TESTING LABORATORY

A wide range of highly precise and reliable technique is used in the laboratory to determine the
characteristics of materials, mechanical properties, elemental composition, corrosion resistance
and the effect of heat treatment. The laboratory also verifies equipment performance, identifying
of defects at system and component levels.

3.2 SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS IN THE LABORATORY

Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes

1. Gloves (latex or nitrile)

2. Lab coats or gowns
3. Safety glasses or goggles
4. Face shields or masks
5. Closed-toe shoes
6. Autoclave or sterilization equipment
7. Biosafety cabinets or hoods
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8. Centrifuge safety buckets
9. Pipette safety tips
10. Spill response kits
11. Fire extinguishers
12. First aid kits
13. Eye wash stations
14. Safety data sheet (SDS) binders
15. Biohazard bags and container

Precautions

1. Use appropriate safety equipment and clothing; like lab coats, hand gloves and other
personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Use appropriate or correct tools for each job.

3. Return tools and instruments to their proper place after work and wash properly when
necessary.
4. Ensure that there is sufficient space to work and the workshop is not overcrowded.
5. Ensure that there is adequate light and ventilation in the workshop.

6. Switch off power from all machines and electrical gadgets after work.

7. Keep the work area and the work environment clean and clear.

8. Exit route must be marked and kept unobstructed.

9. Study operational manuals of equipment before attempting to use them.

10. Ask when in doubt, never act on assumption.

11. Fire extinguishers must be kept functional and accessible.

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 3.3 INSTRUMENTATION

The equipment available in the equipment and material testing laboratory are:

1. Blood roller mixer: This equipment is used in the laboratory to mix blood samples together
with anticoagulant and it also prevent bolls sample for testing.
2. Hematology analyser: This equipment is used in the laboratory to analyse blood sample for
various haematological processes e.g to count blood cells.
3. Wax dispenser: The wax dispenser is used in histopathology forensic medicine and anatomy
laboratories where wax embedded module or blocks are prepared.
4. Heating mantle: This is a piece of laboratory equipment used to apply heat to containers, as an
alternative to other form of heated baths.
5. Preparatory flask: This is also called a volumetric flask, and it is used for precise dilutions and
preparations of standard solutions.
6. Autoclave: This equipment is used to decontaminate certain biological waste and sterilize
media, instruments and lab ware.
7. Distillation unit: This is used in preparing distilled water by evaporation and condensation.
8. Automatic staining machine: This is a workstation automatic slide Stainer in pathology and
research labs designed for staining applications in pathology and research.
9. Grinder polisher: This equipment is used to remove materials from a metal with increasing
fine grit (typically performed on a rotating wheel platen).
10. Microscope: A microscope is an instrument that is used to magnify small objects.

11. Centrifuge: The centrifuge separate heterogeneous mixtures into their various components –
liquids in liquids, solids in liquids, and liquids in gases, based on the different densities of the
components.

12. Distillation apparatus: The distillation apparatus, commonly called a ‘still’, consists of a flask,
a condenser to cool and condense the vapor produced and a method of collection, or a
receiver.
13. Electrophoresis machine: This equipment is used to separate nucleic acids and proteins based
on their size and charge.

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14. Moisture meter: This apparatus is used to detect moisture content in materials.
15. Electrical weighing balance: This instrument is used in the accurate measurement of weight of
materials.
16. Fume cupboard: This is widely used in laboratories and is designed to capture and remove air
borne hazardous substances generated during laboratory experiments.
17. Universal testing machine: Also known as universal tester is also used to test the tensile
strength and compressive strength of materials.
18. Incubator: This is an insulated enclosure in which temperature, humidity, and other
environmental conditions can be regulated at levels optimal for growth.
19. Sterilizer: This is used in healthcare environments for the sterilization of heat and moisture-
stable items such as surgical instruments, implanted medical devices and surgical drapes and
linens.

Fig3.1: Electrical Weighing Balance Fig3.1.1: Universal Testing Machine

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 Fig3.1.2: Fume Cupboard Fig3.1.3: Electrophoresis Machine

3.4.0 TEST CARRIED OUT IN THE LABORATORY

3.4.1. Blood Sugar Test

A blood sugar test, also known as a blood glucose test, measures the level of glucose in
your blood. There are several types of blood sugar tests, including:

1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test: Measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast
of at least 8 hours.

2. Random Blood Sugar (RBS) Test: Measures blood glucose levels at any time,
regardless of when you last ate.

3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood glucose levels after consuming
a sugary drink.

4. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test: Measures average blood glucose levels over the past
2-3 months.

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5. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System: Measures blood glucose levels
continuously throughout the day and night.

These tests are used to:

1. Diagnose and monitor diabetes

2. Monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes

3. Detect hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

4. Adjust diabetes treatment plans

5. Screen for diabetes in high-risk individuals

3.4.2. Hematology Test

Hematology tests are a group of laboratory tests that examine the blood and its
components to diagnose and monitor various blood-related disorders. These tests
include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures different components of blood,

including red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and platelets.

2. Blood Smear: Examines blood cells under a microscope to identify

abnormalities.

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3. Coagulation Studies: Tests blood clotting function and bleeding time.

4. Blood Typing: Determines an individual's blood group (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh

factor.

5. Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: Identifies abnormal hemoglobin structures, such as

sickle cell disease.

6. Bone Marrow Biopsy: Examines bone marrow tissue to diagnose blood cancers
and disorders.

7. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Measures inflammation and infection.

8. Cross-Matching: Ensures compatibility between donor and recipient blood for

transfusions.

Hematology tests help diagnose and manage various conditions, including:

- Anemia

- Bleeding disorders

- Blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma)

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- Infections

- Inherited blood disorders (sickle cell disease, thalassemia)

3.4.3 Blood Grouping Test

Blood grouping, also known as blood typing, is the process of classifying blood
into different groups based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on the
surface of red blood cells. The main blood groups are:

• ABO group ( A, B, AB, O)

• Rh group ( Rh+. Rh-)

blood group is essential in case of a medical emergency or transfusion need!

3.4.4. Malaria Parasite Test

A Malaria Parasite Test is a medical test used to diagnose malaria, a disease caused
by a parasite that infects red blood cells. The test detects the presence of malaria
parasites (Plasmodium spp.) in the blood.

Types of Malaria Parasite Tests:

1. Blood Smear Test (BST): A microscopic examination of a blood sample to

detect malaria parasites.

2. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT): A quick test that detects malaria antigens in the
blood.
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3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test: A molecular test that detects malaria
DNA in the blood.

4. Histidine-Rich Protein II (HRP2) Test: A rapid test that detects the HRP2
protein produced by malaria parasites.

Test Results:

- Positive: Malaria parasites or antigens are detected in the blood, indicating an

active infection.

- Negative: No malaria parasites or antigens are detected in the blood.

If you've been tested for malaria, it's essential to follow up with your healthcare
provider to discuss the results and receive appropriate treatment if necessA Malaria
Parasite Test is a medical test used to diagnose malaria, a disease caused by a
parasite that infects red blood cells. The test detects the presence of malaria
parasites (Plasmodium spp.) in the blood.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 CHALLENGES FACED DURING PERIOD OF ATTACHMENT

The SIWES experience came along with its challenges too, and below are a few of them:

1. The first major challenge was that of familiarization, i.e., getting to know the
environment and colleague, adapting to their approach to work and ethics.
2. Being able to cope with the harsh weather conditions.

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 3. Multitasking: Industrial training is very important, so as to equip the student with the
practical knowledge and ethics to keep moving in life. Through the industrial training, I
was able to apply some of the theoretical knowledge gathered over the three academic
years. In the process of applying those theoretical knowledges, I was constrained to
multitask in order to meet up with my daily tasks in the office.

4.1 CONCLUSION

Through the industrial training, I was able to attain greater understanding of how the work ethics
outside of the school environment really is. I also learnt some professional ethics and how to
manage relationship between clients, managers and superiors.

4.2 RECOMMENDATION TO SIWES

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) is greatly appreciated for the provision of the SIWES
program. Nonetheless, there are some areas needing improvement. Like:

a. Funds should be made available to students early enough, to enable them cater for their
expenses and for optimal performance during the training.

b. Establishments of attachment should be sent letters encouraging them to allow students

engage fully and actively in regular practical and gross work activities.
c. The supervisors attached to SIWES should be encouraged to visit the students at least
once every two months.

The aforementioned would go a long way to help achieve the objectives of SIWES and salvage
the educational system in Nigeria.

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 A picture of my university base
supervisor with my industry base supervisor.

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