Students of the College of Engineering at Wigwe University have begun preparations for their Students Work Experience Programme (SWEP) following an orientation session designed to equip them for the four-week practical training exercise.

The orientation, held on campus ahead of the commencement of the programme, introduced students to the expectations of SWEP while reinforcing the importance of practical skills, workplace safety and professional conduct.

Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, encouraged them to approach the training with curiosity, discipline and a willingness to learn. He described SWEP as a critical stage in their development as future engineers and urged them to maximise every opportunity the programme offers.

Professor Al-Akaidi noted that Nigeria needs engineers with strong technical competence and problem-solving abilities, adding that Wigwe University remains committed to providing students with the tools, facilities and practical exposure required to excel in the profession.

“Be open to learning, ask questions and think of solutions to problems, as this is the basis for becoming exceptional in your chosen field,” he told the students.

The Vice-Chancellor further assured them of the University’s continued investment in hands-on learning, stressing that engineering education goes beyond the classroom and is strengthened through practical experience and innovation.

As part of the orientation, students received detailed briefings on the proper use of general hand tools, workshop safety procedures and other essential guidelines that will shape their participation throughout the four-week training programme.

Leading the technical sessions was the Coordinator of SWEP, Dr Emmanuel Enesi of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, who took students through the practical expectations of the programme and emphasised the importance of adhering to established safety standards while developing technical competence.

The atmosphere throughout the orientation reflected the students’ excitement as they eagerly engaged with the facilitators and looked forward to gaining practical engineering experience. Their enthusiasm underscored the significance of the programme as an opportunity to bridge classroom learning with real-world application.

The Students Work Experience Programme forms an important part of Wigwe University’s engineering education, providing students with the practical foundation needed to build confidence, develop industry-relevant skills and prepare for successful professional careers.