Analysis of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) in NIFFR and the Challenge of Skilled Fishery Extension Manpower Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme carried out in NIFFR visa-a-vise the challenge of skilled manpower development for fishery extension. Secondary data collected from NIFFR library and report of 2007 SIWES period was analysed descriptively. Out of 617 students from 36 schools that visited NIFFR, 282 (46%) were for IT from 16 tertiary institutions in the six geo-political zones. Over 80% of the IT students were University students in the department of fisheries dominated by institutions in the South West and North Central zones. SIWES students spend 2-32 weeks to acquire skills and practical knowledge in different aspects of fisheries like artisanal, aquaculture & biotechnology, fish technology, environmental studies, and socioeconomic/ extension. High influx of students in the department of fisheries is an indication that NIFFR adds value to graduates of fisheries. However,
it is appalling to note that students of agricultural extension never utilize opportunities existing at NIFFR for industrial training like their counterparts in fisheries department. This is a pointer to a large extent that the challenge of training skilled and competent professionals for fishery agricultural extension is still a mirage rather than a reality. To reverse the ugly trend, students of agricultural extension in various tertiary institutions should be compelled to spend at least two weeks of
their IT period at NIFFR for practical experience. This development will be seen as a step in the right direction towards skill development and changing student’s perception to seek livelihood in fishery particularly in aquaculture to create jobs and reduce unemployment as well as building competency and confidence.
Keywords: students, niffr, fishery, extension, Nigeria.