The primary reasons for including industrial attachment in polytechnic education are as follows:
· Practical Experience: Industrial attachment provides students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world situations. This practical experience helps students understand how concepts are implemented in actual industrial settings, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
· Skill Development: During industrial attachment, students acquire valuable technical skills, hands-on experience, and problem-solving abilities. They learn how to operate equipment, troubleshoot issues, and work as part of a team, enhancing their employability.
· Industry-Relevance: The rapidly evolving industries require professionals who are adaptable and familiar with the latest technologies and trends. Industrial attachment exposes students to industry practices, current technologies, and work processes, making them better prepared for the demands of the job market.
· Networking Opportunities: Students have the chance to interact with professionals, managers, and colleagues in their chosen field during industrial attachment. This networking can lead to mentorship, job referrals, and future employment opportunities.
· Soft Skills Development: In addition to technical skills, students also develop important soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and adaptability, which are essential for success in any career.
As for the criteria for Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in Nigerian polytechnics, these criteria can vary depending on the specific polytechnic and the program you're interested in. However, some general criteria that are commonly observed include:
· Educational Qualifications: Typically, candidates for HND programs should have completed a National Diploma (ND) program from a recognized institution. The ND program is usually a prerequisite for admission into the HND program.
· Work Experience: Some HND programs may require candidates to have relevant work experience, which can be gained through industrial attachment or other employment.
·
Entrance Examinations or Interviews: Some
polytechnics might conduct entrance examinations or interviews to assess the
knowledge and suitability of candidates for specific HND programs.
Industrial attachment or IT is part of
Nigerian higher education system thus it is mandated that before a student is
accorded a degree in any higher institutions in Nigeria, the student must have
completed an industrial attachment and obtain an equivalent credit point. The
period allocated to industrial attachment varies from programmes and duration
of programmes but in essence it takes three months to one year.
University students in Nigeria are qualify
for industrial attachment in their second to final year of their academic
programme while in polytechnics, it is one year after two year of Ordinary
National Diploma (OND) study period.
There are many situations even after a
student is done with his or her industrial attachment in a private
establishment, his or her services will be retained. It can be through mutual
agreement between those parties and the students will be afforded some time to
complete his or her studies.
Do not think about money first or set a
target on how much you want to make during your industrial attachment? It will
help you in future if you focus on what you will learn and the network you will
build. The experience will definitely make you are better person in your career
plan and employment opportunities.
There are many ways you can make your
industrial attachment fruitful. As a beginner, there is need to have passion
and burning desire in learning how to do things within your study line. Do not
feel shy about asking questions and let the experience staff teach you what you
do know.
Take as many challenges as you deem fit,
expose yourself in different areas within the establishment, and learn how to
communicate effectively with your colleagues or customers.
The most difficult step for Nigerian students
is finding the best way to secure a place for their industrial attachment. Yes
we all know how difficult it can be but do not indulge or wallow yourself in
blaming game. Yes, our government has failed us, everybody has failed you and
the system is corrupt but it is your life. You can only do something meaningful
with your life only when you take absolute control of your life. Re-write the
wrongs in your life, be focus and determine; set a path and walk alone it and
you will surely get there.
After every year, Federal government pays a
little stipend for students who have documented prove that they have completed
their industrial attachment. The proof can be a letter from the establishment
where you did your industrial attachment with approved IT
report. Remember, some universities grade IT report from your
industrial attachment and others have a presentation where each student
presents his or her IT journey within the given period.
Though the underlining principles of
industrial attachment in Nigeria are being shaken but if followed and
implemented in the right way and more so every student has the opportunity to
be part of it, it will help us groom graduates with little experience and ready
for work after graduation.
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