… As VC says initiative aligns with the mandate of the University, harps on safety protocol
The Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State has flagged off a Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP) for year Two students in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology of the Institution as a strategic academic planning initiative to boost the resourcefulness of the Engineering Programmes in the Institution.
Speaking on Tuesday, 9th September 2025 at the University Lecture Theatre, Takeoff Campus of the Institution, Ikot Abasi during the flag off exercise, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel said that the SWEP initiative aligns with the mandate of the specialized University especially to bridge the theoretical and practical gap while putting the Institution on a high pedestal.
Prof. Daniel who is a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics admonished the Engineering students to take full advantage of the Practical Programme stressing that the knowledge and skills gained during the exercise will prepare them to contribute to national development as well as harness their resourcefulness in the industry upon graduation.
The Vice Chancellor commended the Provost of the School of Engineering Technology, Dr Whyte Akpan, the Coordinator of SWEP in the Institution, Engr Dr. Bassey Okon, the facilitating Lecturers/Technologists in the School of Engineering Technology as well as the Resource Persons engaged for the Nine(9) week Long Vacation exercise.
The FUTIA VC also harps on the need for the resource persons and the students to ensure safety protocol throughout the Programme
Earlier in his opening address, the Acting Provost, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Engr. Dr Whyte Akpan while welcoming the Vice Chancellor, Management Team, Staff and students of the University to the flag off and the Orientation Lecture commended the Management of the Institution for the huge investment and sponsorship of the exercise.
The Provost disclosed that SWEP 1 is a Three (3) Credit Units Long Vacation Course recommended to last for Nine(9) Weeks for Year Two Students studying Engineering Courses. He pledged on behalf of the School of Engineering Technology that the SWEP initiative will achieve it aims for the University, Students and the industry. He charged the Engineering students to take the Programme seriously stressing that their efficiency in Engineering Career is embedded in the skill-based approach offered by SWEP.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of SWEP and Acting Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, Engr Dr Bassey Okon, said the objectives of SWEP are to provide students with the practical exposure to general engineering processes, facilities/machine familiarization, hands on the job know-how and safety precautions as are obtained in the real world of engineering practice.
The SWEP Coordinator highlighted the Modules and Practical Skills to be undertaken by the students studying various Engineering Programmes to include: Solar Power System Design/Construction, Electrical/Electronics Circuits, Paint Production, Solar Light Installation, Metal Folding/Shape Development, Kebb Stone Laying/Walkway Making, Wood Works, Metal Machining/Joining among others.
The flag off ceremony featured SWEP Orientation Lecture presented by Engr Dr Ubong Ukommi of the Department of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University; General Safety by Engr. Dr. Paul Akpan; Mechanical Equipment by Engr Agnes Oboh of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Uyo; Engineering Consultancy Management by Engr Elizabeth Jackson; Industrial Experience/Collaboration by Engr Akanimo Uso, Engineering Manager at Ibom Power Company; Environmental Pollution/Control by Engr Dr Rasheed Babalola and Instrumentation Technology by Engr. Dr Bliss Stephen among others.
In her vote of thanks, the Registrar of the University, Offiongita Nkang congratulated the School of Engineering Technology both Staff and Students on the successful flag off of the pioneer SWEP exercise in the Institution as performed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Leo Daniel. The Registrar who was represented by a Deputy Director in the office of the Registrar, Mr Samuel Efiok while charging the students to take full advantage of the exercise expressed Management’s appreciation to the Acting Provost, Coordinator of SWEP, Staff and invited Resource Persons for facilitating the exercise .
Other Principal Officers of the University in attendance includes, the Bursar, Dr Mbobo Erasmus represented by Mrs Aniefiok Ikemesit, the University Librarian, Prof. Philip Akor as well as the Acting Provost, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Dr Okon Etim among other Staff and Students.
