IMPACT OF STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) ON SKILL ACQUISITION BY 400 LEVEL STUDENTS OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE AT SA’ADU ZUNGUR UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI

ABSTRACT The study investigates the impact of student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) on skill acquisition by 400 level students of library and information science, Sa’adu Zungur University Bauchi. The study was guided by four (4) objectives and four (4) research questions. The studies adopt descriptive survey research method. The population of the study consisted 204students of 400 level. Structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 132 students that are drawn from the total population. Only 121 copies of the questionnaire were properly filled and returned. The data collected were analyzed using simple frequencies and percentages. The findings of this study revealed that, the impact of SIWES on 400 level students is very paramount, new work methods were learnt. However, lack of available and functional facilities, non-payments of student stipend, short period of training time, and student’s placement and supervision were some challenges encountered by students during training. The researcher recommended that; enough time to be given to practical base teaching methods, proper placement and supervision, inclusion of the course in the SIWES and proper funding to ensure smooth operation of the programme and payment of both staff and students allowances among others. Therefore, the researcher concluded that SIWES has a strong positive impact on skill acquisitions by 400 level students of library and information science.