Students undergoing the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) have begun a 12-week intensive vocational training designed to sharpen their practical skills and entrepreneurial capacity. The programme, initiated by the university’s Directorate of Educational Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (DETIE), commenced on Monday, July 7, 2025, with a strong emphasis on employability, creativity, and self-reliance.
The vocational training incorporates a wide range of hands-on skill areas including cosmetology, confectionery, web design, solar and inverter installation, woodwork, photography, bead and art making, tie and dye, event planning and decoration, leatherworks, paint production, knitting, and weaving. These skills are not only relevant to today’s economic landscape but also offer participants multiple avenues for financial independence.
At the opening session, Mr. Iromini Abbass, Head of Vocational Training at DETIE, urged the students to approach the programme with discipline and seriousness. “This is not just an extracurricular activity,” he said. “It is a life-building opportunity that can determine the quality of your future, whether you choose employment or entrepreneurship.”
The programme is anchored by FUOYE’s Entrepreneurship Development Officers and features guest instructors drawn from across industries with proven expertise in their fields. Their collective aim is to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry relevance, ensuring that students graduate with both cognitive knowledge and practical dexterity.
Mrs. Oluwakemi Raji, Chief Entrepreneurship Development Officer, explained that beyond the acquisition of skills, students will also undergo mentoring and business orientation. “We are integrating entrepreneurship and value creation into every phase of the training,” she said. “Students will not only learn how to make products or offer services, but they will also be taught branding, customer service, market penetration strategies, and basic financial management.”
Dr. Adebimpe Esan, Director of DETIE, described the training as part of FUOYE’s strategic plan to foster innovation and contribute to national development. She stressed that the initiative is not a one-off intervention but part of a continuous culture of student empowerment. “Our goal is to raise students who can think critically, act responsibly, and create solutions that benefit society,” she said.
The programme has received strong backing from the university’s leadership. Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation, and Linkages (SPRIL), reiterated that skill acquisition is no longer optional in today’s world. “We are proud of how FUOYE continues to blend traditional education with innovation and practical relevance,” he said. “This training is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, commended the Directorate for its consistency and vision. According to her, FUOYE remains committed to repositioning tertiary education in Nigeria through student-focused programmes. “Empowering our students with the right skills and mindset is central to our mandate,” she remarked. “We are investing in the future through every initiative like this.”
Students participating in the training expressed excitement about the opportunity. Many described it as an eye-opener that has helped them discover new talents and passions. “I never knew I had an interest in leatherworks until I joined the session,” said Peace Adeyemi, a 300-level Sociology student. “Now, I’m seriously considering starting a small brand on campus.”
The programme will run through September, culminating in a skills exhibition and business pitch competition, where students will showcase their products, innovations, and startup concepts. The best-performing students will be awarded with certificates and possible startup grants, while all participants will benefit from post-training support and alumni mentoring.
DETIE is also exploring partnerships with local industries, development agencies, and private sector players to offer internship placements, seed funding, and continuous mentorship for students beyond the training window. According to Dr. Esan, these partnerships will help scale the impact and ensure long-term sustainability of the initiative.
As youth unemployment continues to challenge Nigeria’s socio economic landscape, FUOYE’s vocational training stands out as a bold and practical response. It not only prepares students for job opportunities but also empowers them to become employers, innovators, and economic contributors.
With initiatives like this, FUOYE is redefining what it means to be a 21st-century university. By merging academic excellence with real-world relevance, the institution is nurturing a new generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders who are ready to transform skills into value and vision into ventures.
