The Vice-Chancellor counselled the students to seek knowledge and gain experience first, stressing that IT is not a place to struggle to get money.

"Seek knowledge first. It is the knowledge that will translate into wealth for you. Endeavour to blend the theoretical knowledge you learnt in the classroom with the practical experience you will meet in the industry for your own progress and betterment," Vice-Chancellor stressed.

The Akure ITF Area Manager, Alhaji Rauf Sule, represented by the Head of Training, Mrs. Grace Ajagbe revealed that SIWES is a skill acquisition programme of the federal government designed to expose students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria into the industry to equip them with the necessary experience that will define their professional future.

"The scheme is also aimed at exposing students to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that are usually not available in their institutions. So, be ready to learn, avoid giving complaints and excuse at work. Comport yourselves decently in the workplaces, obey constituted authority and observe all safety measures in any organization you may find yourselves," Sule admonished.

Also, Mr. Fabamise Adedeji from the ITF office enjoined the students to establish a good student-employer relationship by being dedicated to duty, loyal and punctual at work.

Another ITF officer, Mr. Olorunfemi Olamide urged the students to ensure they document their daily activities properly, saying this would assist them greatly when writing their report at the end of the IT.

The SIWES Coordinator at OAUSTECH, Dr. Ajoke Gbadamosi, advised the prospective interns to let their time in the industry shape them into well-rounded individuals ready to make great impacts in society.

Urging the participants to provide the SIWES office with valid workplace addresses, active phone contacts, valid account details, Dr. Gbadamosi said they should ensure they are always at their duty post, adding that they should avoid demanding to know when their supervisor would visit.

Concluding, the SIWES Coordinator thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the management team for supporting the unit.

The programme was well attended by the University officials, officials of ITF Area office, departmental coordinators and the prospective IT students.