Impact and Use of ICT in Students' Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) on Science and Engineering Programme among the Public Polytechnics in Oyo State, Nigeria.

This study investigates the impact and utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) among science and engineering programs in public polytechnics of Oyo State, Nigeria. The research adopts a convergent mixed-methods design to capture both quantitative outcomes and qualitative insights from final-year students, SIWES coordinators, and employers. Quantitative data were gathered via a structured questionnaire distributed to 340 students across five polytechnics, with a response rate of 92% (n = 296). Key indicators included ICT access (facility availability, internet reliability, software tools), ICT usage in SIWES activities (data collection, reporting, remote collaboration), perceived skill enhancement (problem-solving, technical competency, digital literacy), and academic performance indicators (GPA, project quality).
Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential analyses (t-tests, ANOVA) examined differences by department (Electrical/Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Computer Engineering, Science Laboratory Technology) and by prior ICT exposure. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically from 24 interviews and 8 focus groups, revealing core themes: (I) ICT infrastructure gaps and power reliability; (ii) training and support for e-reporting and e-portfolio development; (iii) collaboration with industry partners leveraging digital platforms; and (iv) student adaptability to virtual SIWES components. Findings indicate that ICT access significantly correlates with higher self-reported competencies in technical reporting (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and project quality (p < 0.05). Policy implications emphasize investment in campus networks, standardized SIWES ICT guidelines, and capacity-building for students and supervisors to maximize SIWES outcomes in public polytechnics in Oyo State.

Student Industrial Scheme, ICT Skills

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