The first batch of 400-level Avionics Engineering students of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) has commenced a six-month Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) internship with United Nigeria Airlines.
The Managing Director of the airline, Osita Okonkwo, welcomed the students and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity to gain practical industry knowledge that would complement their academic training.
Okonkwo said the internship would expose the students to real-life aviation engineering operations and prepare them for professional careers in the aviation sector.
He noted that the programme reflected the airline’s commitment to supporting technical education and developing skilled manpower for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
During the onboarding session, the students received introductory briefings on airline technical operations and workplace expectations.
The airline’s Line Maintenance Manager, Kwabena Adoma, alongside Benle Asemuah, provided insights into aircraft maintenance procedures and the operational environment within the airline’s engineering unit.
Also speaking, the Director of Human Resources, Kelechi Violet Asuquo, sensitised the students on workplace ethics, professionalism and the discipline required to succeed in the aviation industry.
She added that the students would receive a monthly stipend of ₦100,000 throughout the six-month internship to support their training.
The programme will expose the students to avionics systems, aircraft maintenance processes and airline engineering operations, providing practical experience to complement their classroom learning.
The internship followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February between the Chairman of the airline, Obiora Okonkwo, and the Chancellor of ABUAD, Afe Babalola, to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry through structured technical training opportunities for engineering students. (NAN)
