INTRODUCTION

This document contains details of my Student Industrial Work Experience scheme (SIWES)
which was done at Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation. This chapter contains the
introduction and history of SIWES; its aims and objectives, the managing bodies of SIWES. Then
it gives an overview of the company, its history and operations.

1.1 STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME(SIWES)

1.1.1 Overview of SIWES
SIWES stands for Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme. SIWES was established by ITF
(Industrial Training Fund) in the year 1973. SIWES was founded to be a skill training program to
help expose and prepare students of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education for the
industrial work situation to be met after graduation. It aims to solve the problem of lack of
adequate practical skills preparation for employment in industries by Nigerian graduates of
tertiary institutions by providing students of tertiary institution the opportunity of being
familiarized and exposed to the needed experience in handling machinery, equipment and
processes which are usually not available in the educational institutions.

1.1.2 About the Industrial Training Fund

Established in October, 1971, The ITF has operated consistently within the context of its
enabling laws, i.e., Decree 47 of 1971. The ITF has not only raised training consciousness in the
economy, but has also helped in generating a corps of skilled indigenous man-power which has
been manning and managing various sector of the economy. As part of its responsibilities, the
ITF administers the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and disburses
allowances to students.

1.1.3 Scope and Importance of SIWES

The scheme covers all science and technological based students in Nigerian Universities,
Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Colleges of Technology and Colleges of Agriculture, for the

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industrial work situation they are likely to encounter after graduation. SIWES enables students
to acquire industrial knowledge in their field of study particularly in technological based
courses. It enables students experience the application of theoretical knowledge gained
through their school work to solving real life problems.

1.1.4 Aims and Objectives of SIWES

i. To provide the avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial
skills and experiences in their course of study.
ii. Prepare the students for the industrial work situation they are likely to meet after
graduation and also easily join the workforce.
iii. Create exposure for students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment,
machinery and procedures that may not be available in their institutions.
iv. Make the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance recruitment
process for companies to contact for later job placement.
v. SIWES provides students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work
situations thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
vi. Enlist and strengthens employers’ involvement in the entire educational process and
prepare students by giving them first-hand work experience.

1.1.5 Managing bodies of SIWES

The bodies involved in the management are the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Industrial
Training Fund (ITF), the coordinating agencies include the: Nigerian University Commission
(NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), National Council for Colleges of
Education (NCCE). The functions of the agencies include among others to:

i. Review programmes qualified from SIWES regularly.

ii. Supervise students on industrial attachment.
iii. Provide logistic material needed to administer the scheme.

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 iv. Establish SIWES and accredit SIWES unit in the approved institutions.
v. Ensure payment of allowances for the students and the supervisors.
vi. Formulate policies and guidelines for participating bodies and institutions as
well.

Therefore, the growth, success or otherwise of the SIWES depends on the efficiency of the
ministries, ITF, institutions, general public involved in the articulation and management of the
program.

1.2 NIGERIAN AGRICULTURAL INSURANCE CORPORATION (NAIC)

1.2.1 History of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation

The idea of establishing an agricultural insurance scheme for Nigerian farmers was first
conceived in 1978 and was borne out of the need to work out an appropriate strategy for the
establishment and operation of an effective credit delivery system that will incorporate both
small and medium scale farmers, who are unable to provide the required collateral security for
assessing credit facilities from banks and other financial institutions. It became imperative for
government to look for means or mechanism of taking the risks that farmers are exposed to
from them. As a result, the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1987 came up with a scheme that
will cushion the devastating effects of these risks and help put the farmers back in business by
paying compensation to affected farmers in the event of a loss occasioned by an insured peril.

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Thus, the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) came into being an agency (Nigerian
Agricultural Insurance Company) saddled with the responsibility of implementing the objectives
of the scheme was formed in 1988. This agency became the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance
Corporation (NAIC) by the act of Parliament No. 37 of 1993.

1.2.2 Founding of NAIC

The need for a specialized Agricultural Insurance Company to provide insurance cover to
farmers was informed by Government’s concern over the vacuum created due to the
unwillingness of conventional insurers to accept Agricultural risks, which they considered too
risky.

This led to the establishment of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Scheme on the 15 th of
November, 1987. The implementation of the Scheme was initially vested in the Nigerian
Agricultural Insurance Company Limited, which was later incorporated in June, 1988 but later
turned into a Corporation in 1993 by the enabling Act 37 of 1993.

Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation is therefore a wholly-owned Federal Government

of Nigeria Insurance Company set up specifically to provide Agricultural risks insurance cover to
Nigerian farmers.

1.2.3 Objectives of NAIC

The broad objective of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation is to offer protection to
the farmer from the effects of natural disasters, diseases and to ensure payment of appropriate
compensation sufficient to keep the farmer in business after suffering a loss.

The scheme was designed too specifically to:

a. Promote agricultural production since it would enhance greater confidence in adopting

new and improved farming practices and in making greater investments in the

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 agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy, thereby increasing the total agricultural
production.
b. Provide financial support to farmers in the event of losses arising from natural disasters
by paying them indemnity sufficient to keep them in business.
c. Enable lending institutions to lend more to farmers and agriculture in general.
d. Minimize or eliminate the need for emergency assistance provided by Government
during period of agricultural disasters.
e. Coinsurance services.

1.2.4 Products and Services of NAIC

The products and services of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation are designed at
managing the insurable risks of the agricultural investor in order to assist him in maintaining a
sense of financial confidence in the face of significant vulnerability. The Corporation has a wide
range of insurance products which can be divided into three main categories: crop insurance,
livestock insurance (including poultry, fishery and aquaculture) and commercial line insurances.
In addition, the Corporation also underwrites a large non-life general insurance portfolio.

1.2.5 Departments in NAIC and their various functions

i. Finance
ii. Admin and Human Resources
iii. Audit
iv. ICT
v. Underwriting
vi. Agric Services
vii. Cooperate Affairs
viii. Building Development
ix. Planning

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 x. Claims and Reinsurance

Finance: Decision making, claims management, maintaining records, preventing and detecting
fraud, payroll processing, asset valuation, auditing in insurance agency and analyzing
investment opportunities.

Admin and Human Resources: Preparing accounts and budgets and monitoring cash flows.
Keeping accurate records and storing these efficiently.

Audit: Determine compliance with policies and procedures. Assess the quality of internal
controls. Evaluate the quality of risk management.

ICT: Enables the insurance industry to set up efficient delivery channels, which has capitalized
the sector to solve the problems that are posed by the new change.

Underwriting: Sending renewal notices, online registration and processing of Agric business and
general insurance, preparation of agency and brokerage commission.
Agric Services: Ensure the payment of appropriate compensation sufficient to keep farmers in
business after insuring any loss on their insured farm.
Cooperate Affairs: Regulate and supervise the formation, incorporation, management and
winding up of companies. Protection of consumers and stakeholders.
Building Development: Develop a growth strategy focused both on financial gain and customer
satisfaction. Conduct research to identify new markets and customer needs. Build long-term
relationships with new and existing customers. Promotes company’s products/services
addressing or predicting clients’ objectives.
Planning: Responsible for investing in different types of insurance to protect the corporation
from financial losses. They process many types of insurance that play a part in a good insurance
plan. These include life insurance, mortgage insurance, vehicle insurance and health insurance.
Claims and Reinsurance: Help policy holders through the claims process, evaluate claims for
legitimacy and level of damages, and ultimately approve or deny claims based on the insured’s
claim filing documentation, coverage and other considerations.

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1.2.6 Organogram Structure of NAIC

MANAGING DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(FINANCE & ADMIN) (OPERATIONS)

COOPERATE
ICT PLANNING
AFFAIRS

ADMIN/HUMAN
AUDIT
FINANCE RESOURCES

BUILDING AND CLAIMS AND

UNDERWRITING AGRIC SERVICES
DEVELOPMENT REINSURANCE

GENERAL BUSINESS
LIVESTOCK UNIT CROP UNIT MOTOR UNIT
UNIT

1.2.7 Grade Level of NAIC

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01
JUNIOR STAFF CADRE
I

07

08
OFFICER II

09
OFFICER I

10
SENIOR OFFICER

12 PRINCIPAL OFFICER

13
ASSISTANT MANAGER

MANAGER
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15 ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER

16

GENERAL MANAGER
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 CHAPTER TWO
SKILLS ACQUIRED
2.1 TROUBLESHOOTING
Troubleshooting is the process of identifying and resolving problems or issues with a device,
system or software. It involves analyzing the symptoms of the problem, identifying possible
causes and testing and implementing solutions until the issue is resolved.
The five steps of Troubleshooting are;
i. Information Gathering: Before we can determine how to address a problem or assess what
the problem is, we must gather information. Gathering information can be particularly
challenging when the problem manifests itself at the client side. You might have to
formulate your questions carefully in order to get meaningful information. Log files contain
great information you should consult during the data-gathering stage. Both the Windows
logs and the AIRA logs should be consulted. Also check to see if all services are running
properly.
ii. Analysis: Once we have gathered the data (including attempting to reproduce the problem),
it is time to analyse the data. The primary task in this phase is to look for patterns. An
important part of the analysis phase involves prioritizing; this includes prioritizing the
problems, if there are multiple problems, performance problems are generally less urgent
than access problems.
iii. Solution Implementation: Although there could be several possible solutions to a problem,
you should always implement one change at a time. Assess the results of that change
before trying something else. This will save you time in the long run.
iv. Assessment: It is vital that you assess the results of your actions and determine whether the
"fix" worked, whether it was a temporary work around, or whether it caused additional
problems.
v. Documentation: After completing your assessment, you should develop a summarization of
the problem, which should include the reported and observed symptoms, the corrective
actions taken, and the results of those actions.

Seven tips to Troubleshoot a computer:

1. Consult google
2. Reboot

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 3. Check connections
4. Look for program updates
5. Close background tasks
6. Clean up your hard drive
7. Run an antivirus program

Methods for Troubleshooting networks;

a) Bottom-Up Troubleshooting Method: In this method, we start with the physical
components of the network and move up through the layers of the OSI model until the
cause of the problem is identified. Bottom-up troubleshooting is a good approach to use
when the problem is suspected to be a physical one. Most networking problems reside
at the lower levels, so implementing the bottom-up approach is often effective. The
disadvantage with the bottom-up troubleshooting approach is it requires that one
checks every device and interface on the network until the possible cause of problem is
found. Remember that each conclusion and possibility must be documented so there
can be a lot of paper work associated with this approach. A further challenge is to
determine which devices to start examining first.

b) Top-Down Troubleshooting Method: Top-down troubleshooting starts with the end-user

applications and moves down through the layers of the OSI model until the cause of the
problem has been identified. End-user applications of an end system are tested before
tackling the more specific networking pieces. Use this approach for simpler problem, or
when you think the problem is with a piece of software. The disadvantage with the top-
down approach is it requires checking every network application until
the possible cause of the problem is found. Each conclusion and possibility must be
documented. The challenge is to determine which application to start examining first.

c) Divide-and-Conquer Troubleshooting Method: In divide-and-conquer troubleshooting,

you start by collecting user experiences of the problem, document the symptoms and
then, using that information, make an informed guess as to which OSI Layer to start
your investigation. When a layer is verified to be functioning properly, it can be assumed
that the layers below it are functioning. The administrator can work up the OSI Layers. If
an OSI Layer is not functioning properly, the administrator can work down OSI Layer
model.

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 APPLICATION LAYER

PRESENTATION LAYER SOFTWARE LAYER

SESSION LAYER

TRANSPORTATION LAYER

NETWORK LAYER

DATA-LINK LAYER HARDWARE LAYER

PHYSICAL LAYER

Fig 1: OSI MODEL

Maintenance Troubleshooting tips:

I. Quantify asset performance and understand how to use the result
II. Create in-depth asset histories
III. Use root cause analysis and failure codes
IV. Build detailed task lists
V. Make additional information accessible

2.2 UPGRADING A SYSTEM FROM WINDOWS 7 TO WINDOWS 10

I. Back up all of your important documents, apps and data.
II. Head over to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download site.
III. In the create Windows 10 installation media section, select “Download tool now”, and
run the app.

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 IV. When prompted, choose “Upgrade this PC now”.

Fig 2.

V. You will then be asked whether you want to keep your personal files or start fresh.
Remember: starting fresh or keeping your files still means that all apps and settings will
be deleted for the windows 10 upgrade.
VI. Once the upgrade is complete, you should receive a digital license for Windows 10,
which can be found under Settings > Upgrade & Security > Activation.

2.3 RESETTING A WINDOWS 10 COMPUTER

Resetting a computer is not so hard, one just has to really follow the steps well enough to carry
out the process.
Steps:
1. Back up all your personal data to an external disk, flash drive or cloud storage system.

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Fig 3.
2. Go to “Settings” and select “Update and Security”.

Fig 4.

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 3. Click on “Reset this PC” and select “Get Started”.

Fig. 5

4. Select “Remove everything”. It reinstalls Windows 10 and deletes files, apps, drivers and
settings you installed or changed.

Fig. 6

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 5. Follow the instructions to reset your Windows 10 computer.

Fig. 7

2.4 LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) CABLE

A LAN cable is a conductor that connects devices in a Local Area Network with a network
connector. The network cable provides communication between several devices (computers,
routers, switches). The term LAN is an overtake for Ethernet cable. It was created in the 1790s
by the XEROX company.
A LAN cable is connected to a terminal device. The data reaches the other end device via a LAN
distributor.
From the outside, a LAN cable looks very similar to a telephone cable. It is also covered with a
plastic sheath. The most common colors are blue, orange, yellow or gray. Inside are eight
different strands. These are in turn twisted into four pairs of wires. However, the network
cables have one outstanding characteristic. They look the same at both ends. They are RJ45
plugs, which are rectangular in shape and often have a small nose with which the plug lock into
ethernet port.

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 Fig. 8: A LAN Cable

Fig. 9: A LAN Tester

NEED TO KNOW:
 The RJ45 cable connector is a standard for a variety of devices.
 Ethernet refers to a wired data transmission in a Local Area Network (LAN).
 It is a twisted copper cable.
 LAN is a physical interconnected network; Wi-Fi is a wireless network.
 LAN cables have much more to offer in terms of transmission speed than WLAN.
 There are two materials used for LAN cables: copper and fibre optics.
 Fibre optic cables are not only faster and have a higher transmission rate, but are also
significantly thinner.
 An advantage of Ethernet is that it is less susceptible to interference from
electromagnetic radiation and a disadvantage is that small bending radius are compared
to other types such as fibre optic cables

CHAPTER THREE

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 PRACTICES AND WORK DONE
I worked in the ICT department at Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation for six months
where I had so many opportunities to learn new things while I was there.

3.1 WORKDONE
 Learnt how to operate a printer and photocopying machine.
 Learnt how to file documents for my supervisor.
 Learnt the types of RAM and how to change a RAM in a system unit.
 I changed a computer and upgraded it from a Windows 7 to a Windows 10.
 Learnt how to mark a document on a system.
 Learnt how to troubleshoot a system unit.
 Scanned files from a printer into a flash drive.
 I changed a LAN cable due to network issues.
 Learnt how reset a system back to factory settings.
 Learnt how to use a LAN tester to check a faulty cable.
 Installed some software applications on a new computer.
 Learnt how set up a projector.
 Removed jammed papers from printers.
 Learnt how to change a printer toner.
 Carried out preventive maintenance.

3.2 PRACTICES
 I was shown how to turn on the systems when I was the first person to arrive at work.
We had a server room and a UPS room that were very different from each other. To go
into the UPS room first to turn on the general system and then to check the server room
to see if it responded.
 Worked on a system with my colleagues, Sultan and Aramide. We were taught by our
supervisor, Mr James, how to reset a system to factory settings in the steps written
above. Then the supervisor asked us to instal Chrome when we finished resetting the
system. We dedicated some days
to resetting systems because each system took at last two hours to work on.
 Learnt how to detect when a system has a RAM problem. The system makes a sound
when the RAM is bad. Open up the system from the side and then remove the RAM, use
an electric blower to blow the RAM in case it is covered in dust. Put the RAM back into

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 the system and then try it. If it works then the sound is going to stop but if the sound
persists then take it up to an expert for a further investigation.
 Troubleshooting a printer is not as hard as one thinks. Looking at the definition of
troubleshooting, it is simply just identifying a problem and resolving it. Troubleshooting
a printer is similar to troubleshooting a computer. Sometimes the problem with the
printer might be a minor paper jam, sometimes the documents being sent do not arrive
on time so it gets frustrating, sometimes the paper size is not the same so it has to be
changed from either the printer directly or from the computer it is being sent from.
 Changing a LAN cable is very easy but tricky. The LAN cable has a tester for checking if it
is actually bad or it just needs to be connected correctly. One has to connect the battery
of the LAN tester first before using it and then connect the cables to the tester and turn
it on. If the light skips a number on the tester it means the LAN cable is bad for network
connections.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the six months of my industrial training was broad and taxing but left me with a

lot of benefits, exposing me to a pre-professional experience. It gave me the opportunity to put

into practice the theoretical knowledge I had gained in the classroom. I have learnt proper

office manners and proper understating of the workplace. I have also learnt how to apply

mature personality and can work with minimal supervision. I have also gained a few skills as

well that could be of help, such as; scanning of documents, filing system, photocopying,

workplace ethics and polite communication.

The knowledge and skills acquired during the course of my attachment forms the bedrock of my

future career development. Therefore, I am confident in applying the knowledge I have learnt

in any company I might find myself, that may give me an opportunity to offer my career.

4.1 CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

Although I had a good time working at the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, I had

few challenges.

 Transportation routes to my workplace was a little bit hectic.

 Transportation fee was quite a lot.

 Amount of salary paid to the IT students.

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  Nasty attitude from some of the colleagues who worked in other departments I assisted

in.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS TO SIWES

I have just a few recommendations, personal suggestions towards improving industrial training

as a whole;

 I recommend that SIWES should ensure proper supervision of students, so that the

purpose of the program will be achieved.

 I recommend that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) should pay a monthly stipend to

students rather than wait till the end of the program. This would help resolve some

common financial challenges faced by students.

 An orientation should be held for the whole first week after placement.

 There should be a site owned by institutions where students can see various firms and

corporations where they accept IT students, to avoid any delay or embarrassment.

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REFERENCES

Onyemauwa, M. (2019). SIWES Introduction, History, Aims & Objectives in Nigeria (2019).

[online] SIWES Beginner. Available at https://siwesbeginner.com/siwes-introduction/ [Accessed

8 Oct. 2021].

Ideas, B. and Advice, C. (2019). History of SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme).

[online] Nigerianfinder.com. Available at:

https://nigerianfinder.com/history-ofsiwes/##targetText=The%20Students’%20Industral

%20Work%20Experience,to%20be%20met%20after%20graduation. [Accessed 8 Oct. 2021].

NAIC (Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation) History, Founding, Objectives, Products and

Services, Departments, Organogram and Grade Level. [online] PLOVTECH. Available at:

https://www.naic.gov.ng

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