By ebosele@hotmail.com. —
The first batch of 400-level Avionics Engineering students from Afe Babalola University has commenced a six-month Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) internship at United Nigeria Airlines, marking a significant step in strengthening collaboration between academia and the aviation industry.
Welcoming the students, the Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Osita Okonkwo, encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on industry experience that will complement their academic training and prepare them for professional careers in the aviation sector.
As part of the onboarding process, the students participated in introductory sessions designed to familiarise them with airline technical operations and professional expectations within the industry.
The airline’s Line Maintenance Manager, Kwabena Adoma, alongside Benle Asemuah, provided detailed briefings on aircraft maintenance procedures and the operational environment of the airline’s engineering unit.
In addition, the Director of Human Resources at the airline, Kelechi Violet Asuquo, delivered a session on workplace ethics, professionalism, and the discipline required to succeed in the aviation industry.
To support their professional development during the internship, each of the students will receive a monthly stipend of ₦100,000 throughout the six-month programme.
The SIWES programme will provide the students with practical exposure to avionics systems, aircraft maintenance processes, and airline engineering operations, offering valuable real-world experience to complement their classroom learning.
The internship programme follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February between the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, and the Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Afe Babalola.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry by providing ABUAD engineering students with structured opportunities for high-level technical training and professional exposure within the aviation sector.
