CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter I introduce what SIWES is all about, it’s aims and

objectives. I also explained the steps I followed before my application was

accepted and how I was posted to the maintenance team of CIT. Finally I

close the chapter with the discussion of the history and functions of Centre

for Information Technology (CIT) Bayero University, Kano.

1.2 ABOUT SIWES

According to Akerejola (2006) _ in the earlier stage of science and

technology education in Nigeria, students were graduating from their

respective institutions without any technical knowledge or working

experience. It was in this view that students undergoing science and

technology related courses were mandated for students in different

institution in the view of widening their horizons so as to enable them have

technical knowledge or working experience before graduating from their

various institutions.

The student industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was

established by the industrial Training Fund in (ITF) 1973 to enable students

of tertiary institution have basic technical knowledge of industrial works

base on their course of study before the completion of their program in their

respective institutions.

The scheme was designed to expose students to industrial environment

and enable them develop occupational competencies so that they can readily

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contribute their quota to national economic and technological development

after graduation.

The major background behind the embarkment of students in SIWES was

to expose them to the industrial environment and enable them develop

occupational competencies so that they can readily contribute their quota to

national economic and technological development after graduation.

The major benefit accruing to students who participate conscientiously in

Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) are the skills and

competencies they acquire. The relevant production skills remain a part of

the recipients of industrial training as life-long assets which cannot be taken

away from them. This is because the knowledge and skills acquired through

training are internalized and become relevant when required to perform jobs

or functions.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF SIWES

According to Federal Government in its Gazette of April 1978, the

objectives of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) are

to:

a. Provide an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to

acquire industrial skills and experience in their course of study, which

are restricted to Engineering and Technology including

Environmental studies and other courses that may be approved.

Courses of NCE (Technical), NCE Agriculture, NCE (Business), NCE

(Fine and Applied Arts) and NCE (Home Economics) in Colleges of

Education are also included.

b. Prepare students for the industrial work situation they are to meet after

graduation;

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c. Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling

equipment and machinery that may not be available in their

institutions.

d. Make the transition from school to the world of work easier, and

enhance students contacts for later job placement;

e. Provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real

work situation thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice;

and

f. Enlist and strengthen employers, involvement in the entire educational

process and prepare students for employment in Industry and

Commerce.

1.4 ABOUT ITF

Established in 1971, the Industrial Training Fund has operated

consistently and painstakingly within the context of its enabling laws

(Akerejola, 2006) i.e. Decree 47 of 1971. The objective for which the Fund

was established has been pursued vigorously and efficaciously. In the three

decades of its existence, the ITF has not only raised training consciousness

in the economy, but has also helped in generating a corps of skilled

indigenous manpower which has been manning and managing various

sectors of the national economy.

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1.5 APPLICATION AND POSTING

I applied to the Center for Information Technology, Bayero

University, Kano, for my six month SIWES programme. My request was

successfully granted. They presented to me their do’s and don’t expecting

me to be hard working, keen follower and courageous. I reported to work, I

was told the teams in cit, so I decided to undertake my SIWES in the

department of maintenance from the beginning up to the end of my SIWES

programme.

1.6 HISTORY AND FUNCTION OF CENTER FOR INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY

According to Ibrahim (2008) in the late 1970s, Bayero University,

Kano had a Computer Centre located at the old site of the University with a

VAX Machine installed in the Centre, the aim of the Computer Centre was

to be providing the computing needs of the University Community. As the

technology advanced in the 1990s, the VAX Machine became difficult to

maintain and therefore made it possible for the University to provide 10

microcomputers to the Centre by the late 1990s.

Upon assumption of office in 1999, the Vice Chancellor Professor

Musa Abdullahi made the plan of constructing a standard Computer Centre

for the University. This was due to his realization of how Computers and

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) were becoming

important in supporting University’s education. In 2000, the University

Management submitted a proposal for a grant to John D and Catherine T.

MacArthur foundation of Chicago USA inside which the planned Computer

building featured among the projects with the highest priority. The

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foundation financed half of the centre’s building while the University

sourced the remaining half.

After the completion of the Centre located at the University’s new

campus, the name of the former Computer Centre was changed to Centre for

Information Technology (CIT) due to the additional role of providing all the

necessary facilities for Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

in addition to the provision of computing resources to the University

Community by the Centre.

1.6.1 Functions of Centre for Information Technology

As the information technology (IT) revulsion rapidly unfolds, this role

is likely to become even more important.

According to my source (HAND OVER NOTE) the pivotal functions

of Center for Information Technology are;

1. To provide computing facilities for every interested member of the

university community.

2. To provide professional advise and guidance in the use of computers.

3. To provide advanced resource for special applications such as

research projects.

4. To provide training for members of university community.

5. To provide consultancy services

6. To provide training for outsiders

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1.6.2 Teams in CIT

Team 1: Coordination

This team is to regularly monitor and ensure proper coordination of

the activities of all the specialized teams that will be given specific

assignments for execution. The team will also give necessary guidance in

terms of determination of requirements and suitable methodologies for

achieving set targets. It will also emphasize the importance for adherence to

schedules for programs of activities within an implementation action plan in

the University’s Strategic Plan.

Team 2: Networking

The provision, expansion and maintenance of networks (both wired

and wireless) have become the driving force of achieving one of the

objectives of ICT compliance in the Nigerian University System. Bayero

University Kano, through proper empowerment of its Centre for Information

Technology is determined to continue to enjoy a competitive edge in ICT

compliance within the Nigerian University System. The Networking Team is

to undertake deliberately designed tasks that will culminate in achieving the

aforesaid objectives.

Team 3: Software and Website Development

This Team is put in place in order to embark on software development

for industrial, management applications and educational institutions. The

Team is to update the contents of the University Website, as a matter of

urgency, by incorporating new textual and pictorial information, and any

other information relevant to its statutory functions.

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Team 4: NUNet (Intra- and Inter-networks)

The responsibility to resuscitate, improve and sustain reliable intra

and internet services is going to be assigned to this Team. It will also

undertake the development of a pilot Intra Network Service that will be

dedicated to provision of local information content across all units of the

University, including access to lecture materials and tutorials. The pilot

scheme, if successful, shall be transformed into a full-fledge scheme to cover

all units of the University. The Team will also come up with an assessment

of necessary infrastructure to facilitate reliable Wireless Internet services on

the two campuses of our University.

Team 5: Internal & Outreach Training Programs

The Centre has already achieved some credibility in the running of

specially designed internal and outreach programs. This Team will be

responsible for these programs and should recommend measures aimed at

improving their scope and quality.

Team 6: Systems Maintenance

The relevance of the Centre as a service delivery entity of the

University will be greatly enhanced by developing the necessary capacity

and ability for proper maintenance of the systems that are employed for

service, training and management purposes. The Centre intends to extend its

wealth of experience in the area of maintenance across all units of the

University through the Systems Maintenance Team.

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CHAPTER TWO

MY SIWES EXPERIENCE

2.1 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter, I extensively discussed the experience I acquired

within the period of my industrial training in Computer maintenance teams

of the Centre for Information Technology. The chapter includes a discussion

on how to maintain computer.

2.2 COMPUTER MAINTENANCE

I took part in almost all the maintenance brought to the organization

which was mostly done by the SIWES students of the organization.

2.2.1 Data Backup

I learnt that before I format any system brought to the organization to

avoid playing Russian roulette with the valuable information and digital

creations, I should ensure that I backup all the valuable data that will be

needed after formatting such as drivers, important files e.t.c

I also learnt that backups have two distinct purposes. The primary

purpose is to recover data as a reaction to data loss, be it by data deletion or

corrupted data, or to recover data from historical period of time within the

constraints of user-defined data retention policy.

I followed the following procedures during the data backup process; I

click on my computer, then I right click on C; then I go to properties before

clicking on tools tabs, then I click on “backup now” under backup.

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2.2.2 Formatting

I learnt how to format a system because formatting a computer help to

eliminate viruses, storage issues and other hard-to-resolve problems. I

participated in formatting some of the computers at CISCO laboratory, Nura

Imam Laboratory, Student café and other computers brought to the

organization from faculties. These are the steps I followed when formatting/

repairing a system with windows XP:

I switch on the system and access the BIOS or CMOS setup using the F2

or delete key on the keyboard, then on the menu, I select the standard CMOS

setup to make sure setup is seeing the hard disk and the CD-Rom drive.

Then I Press ESC key, after that I select advance setup or utility to change

the booting sequence starting with CD-Rom then hard disk. Then I insert the

windows XP setup CD into the CD ROM drive, and then I save the changes

made in the bios setup. The computer will prompt me to boot from CD.

After that I follow all the instructions the computer will prompt me all the

way through the installations.

2.2.3 Assembling and Disassembling a Personal Computer

I learnt and took part in assembling and disassembling of personal

computer at the organization, these are the steps I followed:

A. Disassembling a personal computer

I switch off and unplug the computer then I remove the cover, then I

remove the expansion cards and put it aside, and then I remove the

disk drives and also remove the power supply then finally I take out

the system.

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B. Assembling a Personal Computer

I learnt that before assembling any pc, I should ensure that I have the

system board’s reference manual and other installation guides to other

parts/cards I want to use. These are the steps I followed:

After putting the manual reference aside, then I start by installing the

memory on the system board, then I set motherboard’s jumpers (if

necessary) or double check factory default settings making reference

to the system board documentation, then I install the motherboard,

immediately after that I Install the video/graphic card for the monitor,

then I locate the corresponding 12-pin power connector near the rear

of the system board. Attach the power supply connectors to the power

connector. I also ensured that the black wires are together in the

middle, after all the processes then I check the manual if there is any

error and then I connect the monitor to the pc and power up.

2.2.4 Computer Repairing / On- Bench Test

I performed on bench test of system; the purpose of this thread is to

demonstrate an easy way to test your system prior to complete assembly.

The process of on- benching computer motherboards when

troubleshooting problems on some of the computers in Centre for

Information Technology such as display, CD-ROM, and so- on. I also did

some work such as changing hard disk, CMOS battery, RAM, and processor

to track problems and also applying CPU thermal grease to avoid over

heating. I made used of a diagnostic chart giving to us by our maintenance

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coordinator to troubleshoot computer problems like checking VGA cable,

increasing RAM capacity, and changing processor when a computer is not

displaying anything even when it is switched on. I also did some RAM

capacity verification to see whether a computer can accept an operating

system or not, and I increased those with small RAM capacity. Finally I

used external CD-ROM to install operating system on some computers in

the Centre, when the internal ones were not working, and I also changed a

power pack of most computers with power flowing problems.

2.2.5 Installation of Application Software

I learnt that after the successful loading of the operating system or

system software, there is every need to install application software, in order

to be able to utilize the system for many different important programs, for

instance, one may require that he wants to type some letters or document

using his PC or he may wish to design an architectural structure, which the

presence of system software cannot fulfill his requirement alone i.e. one

must virtually have a word processing package software in the case of typing

and a graphics aided design software for his architectural designs.

Installing application software is as simple as one can think of. It

involves answering some simple procedural instructions to ones

requirement/specification which appear in dialog boxes sequentially till the

end of the installation.

Each software has its own methodology for installing it as different

programmers design different software from different places in the world,

and at different times to satisfy certain requirements, as such one should

expect somewhat different instructions for installing different software.

Examples of some application software include: Microsoft office, which

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consists of MS Word, Publisher, Access, PowerPoint, Excel, CorelDraw,

Photoshop, PageMaker and many more including games, utilities such as

anti-virus e.t.c.

1. The installation process involves inserting the CD (containing the

application program) in the CD-ROM of the system unit.

2. Allow it to auto run or pressing and holding the ”shift key’’ in order to

stop it from running automatically and also to view the contents of the

memory device i.e. the CD, So as to choose the ones to install.

3. Follow and answer the instructions appearing dialog boxes carefully

as they appear up to the end,

4. And your software becomes installed on the system unit and is ready

for utilization.

2.2.6 Installation of Windows XP

I took part in the installation of windows XP on some computers at the

organization, library café, etc. These are the steps I followed:

I start the PC and place Windows XP CD in CD/DVD ROM drive. The PC

automatically detects the CD and I get a message saying “Press any key to

boot from the CD”. Then the computer will ask me to press F6 if I want to

install a third party raid or SCSI driver. If using an IDE hard drive then I do

not need to press F6. If using SCSI or SATA hard drive then I must press F6

otherwise windows will not detect the hard drive during installation, then I

press S to specify that I want to install additional device, I will be asked to

insert the Floppy disk with the raid or SCSI drivers then I press Enter after I

have inserted the disk. Then I will see a list of raid drivers for the HDD then

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I select the correct driver for the device and press Enter, Then I get a

window XP Professional SETUP screen then I have the option to do a new

windows install, repair previous install or quit. Since it’s a new install I

press Enter to continue. Then I will be presented with the end user licensing

agreement. Press F8 to accept and continue.

2.3 Windows Utility

I participated in some window utility activities like disk

defragmentation, scandisk and system file checker.

A. Disk defragmentation: It optimizes PC performance by re-writing the

data on hard drive to ensure that files are written together on the same part of

the hard drive written in a manner to speed the boot process.

These are the steps I to followed when defragmenting system using

the properties of local disk;

I open my computer then I right-click the local disk volume that I want to

defragment and then click properties. On the tools tab I click defragment

now.

I also learnt how to defragment through the command prompt using

defrag c: then press enter key.

B. Scandisk: It is a diagnostic and repair program that scans the data on the

hard drive and also check for errors and to correct problems that are found.

The Steps I followed to scan a disk are as follows:

I click the start button, and then select the program, then accessories, then

system tools, and then I click on scandisk.

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C. System file checker: This utility scan for and restore corruptions in

windows system files. To run the system file checker these are the steps I

followed;

I click on start, and then I click on Run, then I type cmd in the open box

then I click ok to open a command prompt and then I type sfc /scannow,

then I click on the enter key.

2.3.1 Adding and Removing of System Components

During this period, I also learned how to add and remove some of the

system components, some of these components are:

A. RAM: RAM are added or installed through simple physical

attachment to the computer’s motherboard that is a physical

installation is all that is required to make the component functional.

For this reason, RAM is considered as plug and play device. Its

removal is also done by physically removing it from the motherboard.

B. System Board: I learned how to attach a new system board to a

computer. It’s simply done by lining it up properly in the chassis

screw holes and fixing it.

C. Storage Devices: On storage devices, I learned how to add and

remove the hard drives. The procedure is as follows:

After I remove the hard drive, I then remove the power supply

and ribbon cables from the back of the hard drive, and I ensure

that I grasp the plastic connector, not the wires themselves. If

the connector doesn’t come out easily I try shaking its length

gently from side (never front to back) while I pull it out, I then

remove the re-straining screws that attach the hard drive to

the drive bay and then slide the drive out of the computer.

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D. CD-ROM Drives: I also learnt how to install and remove CD-ROM

drives; the procedures are the same as that of hard drive. However, the

CD drive could require a sound cable connected to sound card.

E. Power Supplies: I learned how to remove and install power supplies

unit.

2.3.2 Resetting the Computer

I learnt how to reset the computer that has an unknown password; these

are the steps I followed when:

A. Clearing the password

I shut down the pc completely and disconnect it from the wall, then I

remove the real-time clock (RTC) battery and then I wait

approximately 5 minutes before I replace the RTC battery and

reassemble the computer then I connect AC power to the computer. I

make sure that I do not reinsert any batteries at this time then I turn on

the computer.

All passwords settings have been cleared.

B. Clearing CMOS

I shut down the pc completely and disconnect it from the wall, and

then I remove the ATX motherboard power connector, then I

remove the battery and leave it one side for about 30 minutes

before I replace the battery and plug everything in.

All CMOS settings have been cleared.

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2.3.3 Configuration of CMOS

CMOS which means complementary metal oxide semiconductors

allows computer to remember what time it is.

I learnt how to configure CMOS battery at the organization; these are the

steps I followed when:

A. Replacing the CMOS battery

I entered the computer’s setup program and write down all CMOS

settings, I then turn off the computer and remove the cover,

ensuring that I carry out proper ESD procedures, and then I locate

the CMOS battery on the motherboard before I slide the battery out

from under the retaining clip. The clip itself uses slight tension to

hold the battery in place, so there is no need to remove the clip or

bend it outward, and then I Install the new battery so that the

bottom is in contact with the motherboard, finally I restart the

computer. Enter the system’s setup program and reset the CMOS

settings.

B. CMOS setup

To perform CMOS setup, these are the steps I followed;

I powered up the system and hold down the <DEL> key to start

the setup then I select “standard CMOS setup” from the menu

and then I move the cursor to date and time settings to enter the

correct date and time then I set both floppy drives A and B as

required, and then I set the hard disk parameters, then I do

advanced setup making reference to system board documentation.

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Then I exit the setup screen by pressing <Esc> and select write to

CMOS and Exit to keep the changes, and then I insert a bootable

disk in drive A or bootable CD in CD-Rom drive.

2.3.4 Deleting Temporary Files

I also learnt how to delete temporary files with the disk cleanup utility

from the computer because it help keep the pc running smoothly as well, as

speeding the computer up.

These are the steps I followed;

I click on the start and then I click either programs or all

programs then I hover over accessories and then system tools

before I click on disk cleanup.

2.3.5 Cleaning of Computer

Dust build up is the number one computer killer/problem causer in my

humble opinion.

I participated in cleaning of all the computers brought to the

organization.

A. Cleaning of computer cases.

These are the steps I followed when cleaning of computer cases

I start by unplugging the system from it power source then I start from

the top and brush all the dust off that I can with the paint brush and work

my way down to the bottom of the case, and then I brush all the dust into

a pile and use a piece of paper as a dust pan and remove the dust, Then I

take the can of compressed air and blow out the cd drive and floppy

drive, Then I start from the top again and blow the system down to the

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bottom of the case. I stop every 10 seconds or so and take a damp cloth

and wipe the dust up on the bottom of the case until the dust cleaned up.

I also use pencil to block the fan blades so they do not turn while I blow

them off.

B. Blowing out accumulated dust from the system using blower.

These are the guides I followed when blowing of systems.

I blow out any dust that might have accumulated on the motherboard and

on the sides of the expansion cards. I ensured to blow the dust out from a

variety of angles and I also used the blower to remove the dust from all

fans, blow air at them from both sides, then I also ensured to blow air at

the motor to remove dust.

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CHAPTER THREE

SUMMARY, RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter is based on the whole report as it glance contains the

summary of the report, conclusion and some recommendations I offered

which if carefully followed, would help find a lasting solution to the

problems presently affecting the program in the country.

3.2 SUMMARY

The students industrial Training Experience Scheme has provided a

training ground where skills relating to assembling computer from its

individual component as well as maintenance of the computer facilities. I

acquired some skills about Industrial Management which is very vital to

industries. Likewise, I realised that, my communication skill also improved

significantly during the SIWES period. This has gone a long way in

equipping me in merging what has been learnt in the class room

environment to what was actually learnt on the field.

3.3 CONCLUSION

Finally, I would like to conclude by encouraging all students to make

good use of their time during SIWES and appreciate his or her profession,

via this training. It’s actually a forum for ushering one into the labour

market.

SIWES greatly supplements of what has been learnt in school. It gives

an insight on the great challenges awaiting the students, especially Computer

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Science student when out in the industries. I appreciate SIWES program. I

will certainly live to remember the experience.

3.4 RECOMMENDATION

Students are most times faced with the problem of placement. I would

like to suggest that students should be given the opportunity to secure

wherever they wish to undergo their training before the end of the academic

session as SIWES training starts immediately after the session.

While collaboration with ITF and head of department should take place so as

to tackle this problem being encountered by students.

I would also like to add that students on Industrial Training or SIWES

should be given the necessary support to actually boost their efficiency, and

willingness to learn. The ITF with the aid of the respective institutions

should ensure that the students take part only in the work related to their

field of studies and not menial jobs as it happens in most cases.

The ITF should be much involved in the programme, not only the issuance

of allowances but endeavor to visit the students in the course of the

programme to see how well the programme is going on.

Some students were not punctual to the place of attachments

therefore; authorities should be strict attendance and punctuality.

Appropriate Law should be provided to ensure that, prospective SIWES

participants are given proper consideration.

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3.5 REFERENCES

1. Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello SIWES report format

2. Centre for Information Technology profile

3. Hand Over Note by me

4. SIWES operational guide by Prof. Olu Akerejola (15th June 2006);

Director-General/Chief Executive (ITF).

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