The first batch of 400-level Avionics Engineering students from Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) has commenced a six-month Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) internship with United Nigeria Airlines, marking a major step in strengthening industry-academic collaboration in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The internship programme will provide the students with practical exposure to aircraft engineering operations, enabling them to gain hands-on industry experience that complements the theoretical training received in the classroom. Education stakeholders note that such initiatives are increasingly important for preparing engineering graduates with real-world technical competencies.
Welcoming the students to the airline, the Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonkwo, encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn directly from aviation professionals. According to him, practical exposure within a functional airline environment will equip the students with valuable knowledge and professional skills required to succeed in the aviation industry.
As part of the onboarding activities, the students participated in introductory sessions designed to familiarise them with the airline’s technical operations and workplace expectations. During the orientation, the airline’s Line Maintenance Manager, Kwabena Adoma, alongside aviation engineer Benle Asemuah, delivered briefings on aircraft maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and the operational structure of the airline’s engineering unit.
In addition, the Director of Human Resources at the airline, Kelechi Violet Asuquo, conducted a professional development session focusing on workplace ethics, discipline, and the standards required to thrive in the highly regulated aviation sector.
To support the students during the six-month programme, United Nigeria Airlines announced that each intern will receive a monthly stipend of ₦100,000 throughout the duration of the training, providing financial support as they gain practical industry experience.
The SIWES internship will allow the students to work closely with aviation engineers and technical personnel, exposing them to avionics systems, aircraft diagnostics, maintenance procedures, and the day-to-day operations of an airline engineering department.
The internship initiative follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February between the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, and the Chancellor of ABUAD, Afe Babalola. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration between academia and the aviation industry by providing structured technical training opportunities for engineering students.
