IMPACT OF ONE YEAR STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC DAMATURU.

ABSTRACT This study examined impact of the one-year Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) on the academic performance of students in Federal Polytechnic Damaturu. The major purpose of the study was to investigate how poor supervision, irrelevant job assignments, lack of mentorship, and financial challenges influence students’ learning outcomes after the SIWES program. Four research questions guided the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted, and the population consisted of 825 Higher National Diploma (HND I) students across selected departments in the institution. Using Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 245 respondents was determined, and 172 properly completed questionnaires were retrieved for analysis. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that poor SIWES supervision reduces students’ interest in learning, limits skill acquisition, lowers participation in practical tasks, and negatively affects academic performance. The study further showed that irrelevant job assignments during SIWES prevent students from applying classroom knowledge, reduce academic focus, cause frustration, and limit the acquisition of relevant industrial experience. Findings also indicated that mentorship during SIWES enhances students’ learning experience, confidence, problem-solving ability, and motivation, thereby improving academic performance. Additionally, financial challenges were found to hinder students’ regular attendance, limit access to necessary materials, reduce concentration, and negatively affect their participation in practical training. Based on these findings, the study concluded that SIWES has a significant influence on students’ academic performance, either positively or negatively, depending on how effectively the program is implemented. The study recommended that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, should strengthen supervision, ensure placement in relevant organizations, provide qualified mentorship, and offer financial support to improve students’ engagement and overall academic outcomes during SIWES