Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)
Place of Attachment: Local Government Service Commission, Block 7, Old Secretariat,
GRA, Ikeja.
Duration: Two (2) Months
Presented by: Akingbehin Fiyinfoluwa Precious
Matric No.: 220207010090
A seminar report submitted to the Mass Communication Department,
College of Applied Social Sciences,
Lagos State University of Science and Technology,
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass
Communication.
January 2025
Table of Contents
* Cover Page
* Certification
* Acknowledgment
* Abstract
Chapter 1
1.1 Meaning & Brief History of SIWES
1.2 Aims & Objectives of SIWES
1.3 Vision Statement
1.4 Mission Statement
1.5 Importance of SIWES to Mass Communication
Chapter 2
2.1 About The Organization
2.2 Aims and Objectives of the Organization
2.3 Vision Statement
2.4 Mission Statement
2.5 Goals
Chapter 3
3.1 Student Experience
3.2 Units Assigned to & It’s Activities
3.3 Problems Faced During Siwes
Chapter 4
4.1 Challenges and Solutions
4.2 Challenges Faced During SIWES
4.3 Solutions to the Challenges
Chapter 5
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this report was written by AKINGBEHIN FIYINFOLUWA PRECIOUS
with matric number 220207010016. I confirm that this report accurately represents my
activities, experiences, and observations during my SIWES at the Local Government Service
Commission, conducted from September 9th to November 1st, 2024. This report is
submitted as part of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science ([Link].) in Mass
Communication.
Dr. Steve ’Anu Adeseyemo Date
Head of Department (Signature)
………………..
Dr. Taiwo Okeowo Date
Departmental Officer (Signature)
………………..
Miss Laisisi Date
SIWES Supervisor (Signature)
…………………
Acknowledgment
I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who helped me successfully complete my
Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
First, I am very thankful to Almighty God for giving me the strength, good health, and wisdom
throughout the program.
I am also deeply grateful to my parents (MR & MRS AKINGBEHIN ) and my friends for their
moral support and encouragement during this time.
A special thank you goes to my supervisor (MISS LAISISI) for her guidance,
encouragement, and valuable advice. Her support made this experience both rewarding and
fulfilling.
I also appreciate the management and staff of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE
COMMISSION for giving me the chance to do my industrial training in such a supportive and
professional environment.
Finally, I am thankful to my friends and colleagues for their moral support and
encouragement during this period.
Chapter 1
The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES)
The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was started in 1973 by the
Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to solve the problem of graduates from Nigerian universities,
polytechnics, and colleges not having the right skills for jobs in industries. SIWES is a
training program designed to help students gain practical experience and prepare them for
the work they will do after graduation.
This program helps students move from learning in the classroom to working in real-world
situations. It gives students the chance to learn how to use equipment and machines that
they don’t have access to in their schools.
Before SIWES was created, many employers were worried that graduates did not have
enough practical experience to be hired. Students studying science and technology in
Nigerian universities often lacked hands-on training, making it hard for them to find jobs.
Employers felt that the education provided by schools was too focused on theory and did not
meet the needs of the job market. This problem affected many Nigerians until 1973.
To address this issue, the ITF launched the SIWES program in 1973/74. The federal
government officially approved the program in 1974. Initially, the ITF fully funded the
program, but by 1978, the financial burden became too much. In 1979, the government
handed control of SIWES to the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National
Board for Technical Education (NBTE). In November 1984, the government gave back the
supervision of the program to the ITF, and by July 1985, the federal government took full
responsibility for its funding.
Aims and Objectives of SIWES
1. Closing the gap between theory and practice: To help students learn practical skills
and prepare them for real work environments.
2. Introducing students to modern technologies and equipment: To help students learn
about current methods and tools in their field.
3. Encouraging industrial growth and professionalism: To train skilled professionals who
can help develop the country.
4. Using classroom knowledge in the workplace: To let students apply what they have
learned in school to real work situations.
5. Learning practical skills: To help students gain hands-on experience and technical
skills in their field.
6. Understanding industry standards: To help students learn about workplace culture,
structure, and standards.
Vision Statement of SIWES
To be a top skills training organization in Nigeria and one of the best in the world.
Mission Statement of SIWES
•To set and maintain standards and provide training in industrial and commercial skills.
•To give students the practical knowledge and technical skills they need for self-employment
and to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Importance of SIWES to Mass Communication
1. Applying Classroom Learning: SIWES helps Mass Communication students use what
they learned in class, like media ethics, news writing, and public relations, in real-life
situations.
2. Skill Building: Students get hands-on experience with media tools like cameras,
editing software, broadcasting equipment, and social media platforms.
3. Exposure to the Industry: The program helps students understand how media
organizations like newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, advertising agencies, and PR
firms operate.
4. Building Professional Connections: Students meet and connect with industry
professionals, which can lead to mentorships, internships, or future job opportunities.
5. Learning Media Roles: SIWES introduces students to different roles in the media
industry, such as journalism, advertising, public relations, and content creation, helping them
find their interests.
6. Solving Real-World Problems: By facing challenges on the job, students develop
critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are important in the media field.
ABOUT LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE COMMISSION (LGSC)
The building housing the Local Government Service Commission was constructed and
initially used by the Federal Government in the mid-1960s before being handed over to the
State Government. It is one of the older buildings still in use by the State Government before
relocating to the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The Local Government Service Commission was established under the Local Government
Law NO 14 of 1976 and is contained in the Revised Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015,
Cap L43.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF LAGOS LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE COMMISSION
1. Recruitment of Qualified Personnel: To recruit and retain qualified individuals for
various positions in the local government service.
2. Efficient Service Delivery: To ensure effective and efficient service delivery in local
government operations by maintaining a motivated and productive workforce.
3. Staff Development and Training: To provide continuous training and development
programs that improve the skills and competence of staff members.
4. Promotion of Equity and Justice: To promote fairness, equity, and justice in the
recruitment, promotion, and welfare of staff members.
5. Compliance with Regulations: To ensure that the operations and activities of the local
government service comply with established laws, rules, and regulations.
6. Improvement of Local Government Administration: To support and improve the
overall functioning of local government administration, making it responsive to the needs of
the community.
VISION:
.To be a world-class civil service that is Dynamic, Efficient, and Effective.
MISSION:
•To render efficient services that will ensure a well-motivated and productive workforce
based on Equity, Justice, and Fairness.
GOALS:
• To appoint and retain a qualified workforce.
• To have a highly motivated workforce.
• To ensure conformity with set rules and regulations.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
During my time at the Local Government Service Commission, I gained useful experience
working in the Public Affairs Unit. I learned how to write press releases and newsletters,
helping communicate important information to the public. I also assisted with organizing
events and public outreach programs aimed at promoting the Commission’s activities.
In the Media Relations section, I helped gather content for social media platforms and
worked on creating posts to keep the public informed. I also had the opportunity to attend
meetings where I learned how public relations strategies are planned and executed.
One of the highlights of my experience was assisting in handling inquiries from the public
and preparing responses to frequently asked questions. I was able to improve my
communication skills and learned the importance of clear, effective messaging.
Although it was my first time working in a government office, I quickly adapted to the work
environment. I developed skills in managing tasks, meeting deadlines, and collaborating with
team members. This experience gave me a better understanding of how public affairs work
and strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in communications and public relations.
Overall, the internship helped me grow professionally, and I also made connections that
added to my knowledge and skills in the field.
UNITS ASSIGNED TO AT LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE COMMISSION
1. Public Affairs Unit: In this unit, I worked on preparing press releases, newsletters,
and social media content to help communicate the Commission’s activities and programs to
the public.
2. Admin and Human Resources Unit: In this combined unit, I assisted with staff
recruitment, managing employee records, and ensuring that HR processes followed the
rules and regulations set by the Commission. I also helped with scheduling meetings, filing
important documents, and maintaining internal communication to support the smooth
running of daily operations.
CHALLENGES FACED DURING SIWES
1. Adapting to a New Environment: At first, it was challenging to adjust to the workplace
environment, as it was different from the classroom. The fast pace of work and new tasks
made it difficult to keep up initially.
2. Managing Time and Deadlines: Sometimes, balancing multiple tasks and meeting
deadlines was hard, especially when there were many things to do at once.
3. Limited Experience with Tools and Equipment: In some cases, I had little experience
with certain tools and equipment, which made it hard to perform certain tasks effectively.
4. Communication Challenges: Communicating effectively with colleagues and
supervisors was sometimes difficult, as I was still learning how to express myself clearly in a
professional setting.
5. Adjusting to Work Pressure: The pressure to complete tasks quickly and accurately
was new to me, and it took time to get used to the fast pace and high expectations in the
workplace.
SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES
I tackled my challenges by staying focused and reminding myself to stay patient and learn
from my mistakes.
I also asked for help from my colleagues and supervisors whenever I needed guidance,
which helped me improve quickly.
SUMMARY
This SIWES report explains my work experience at the Local Government Service
Commission during my two-month internship in the Public Affairs Unit. During my time there,
I learned how to write press releases, manage social media content, and help with public
outreach programs. I also got to see how communication plans are made and used in a
government office. This experience gave me a better understanding of how public affairs
helps shape the way the public sees the government. The report talks about what I
achieved, the problems I faced, and the lessons I learned.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, my time at the Local Government Service Commission was very useful in
connecting what I learned in school with real-life work. While in the Public Affairs Unit, I
learned important skills like writing, communicating, and working with the media. I also
understood how public relations helps improve the image of the government. The skills I
gained and the things I learned have helped me grow professionally. I am thankful for the
chance to work with such a great team, and I believe the lessons I learned will help me in my
future career.
RECOMMENDATION
I strongly recommend the Local Government Service Commission for any student looking for
an internship or training, especially in public relations and communications. During my time
there, I was really impressed by how professional and helpful the team was. They gave me
great guidance and support, which made my learning experience better.
The Local Government Service Commission is a great place for interns to develop skills in
writing, managing media, and working with the public. I gained hands-on experience in
writing press materials, helping with public events, and managing social media, which are all
important skills for anyone interested in public relations.
I highly recommend the Local Government Service Commission to any student wanting
practical experience in government