PHOTOS: SCMS Department Conducts First-Ever SIWES Defence for FEDPOFFA HND II Students

The Department of Strategic Communication and Media Studies at The Federal Polytechnic Offa has successfully conducted its maiden Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme defence for Higher National Diploma II students.

The exercise took place on Friday, 6 February 2026, and marked a major academic milestone for the department in strengthening industry-focused learning and professional assessment within the Nigerian polytechnic system.

A total of 180 HND II students participated in the defence, which was structured into two groups and held simultaneously in designated lecture halls. Each student delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing their industrial training experience across various organisations nationwide. The presentations highlighted practical exposure, professional responsibilities, workplace ethics, and the relevance of acquired skills to the field of strategic communication, media studies, and public relations.

Panels of academic assessors evaluated each presentation, engaging students through targeted questions to assess their level of industry exposure, communication competence, and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world professional environments.

In his opening address, the Head of Department, Dr. Jimoh Olorede, charged the students to approach the defence with confidence, clarity, and professionalism. He described the SIWES defence as a vital platform for demonstrating workplace readiness, practical expertise, and adaptability within the modern communication industry.

Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of Industrial Liaison and Placement, Mr. Alabi Sheriffdeen, emphasized that the SIWES programme is a mandatory graduation requirement regulated by the National Board for Technical Education. He explained that the scheme is designed to enhance professional communication skills, technical competence, and specialised expertise in media practice and public relations.

Mr. Alabi further noted that the presentation-based defence offers students an opportunity to achieve strong academic performance and advised participants to ensure full compliance with all assessment requirements. These include accurate logbook documentation, effective presentations, supervisors’ evaluations, and timely submission of corrected reports through approved academic channels.

Several academic and administrative officials were present at the event, including the Assistant Coordinator of Industrial Liaison and Placement, Mrs. Caroline Okuwa; the immediate past Head of the Mass Communication Department, Dr. Temidayo Bankole; the SIWES Coordinator for the Mass Communication Department, Prince Rotimi Adeboye; members of the department; and representatives of the Information and Public Relations Unit.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Department’s Examination Officer, Mr. Zakariya Mujeeb, who commended the students, assessors, and organizing team for the successful execution of the exercise.

The maiden SIWES defence underscores The Federal Polytechnic Offa’s commitment to bridging academic instruction with professional practice, equipping students with industry-relevant skills, and advancing the standard of technical and media education in Nigeria.