A TECHNICAL REPORT

ON

STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (S.I.W.ES)

HELD AT

BUA CEMENT, SOKOTO, SOKOTO STATE.

BY

NAME: ADAMU BILAL

ADMISSION NUMBER: 2010206003

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF PURE AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY

FACULTY OF SCIENCES, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI

STATE

IN PARTIAL FUFILMENT OF THE REQUREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC.) DEGREE IN INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY

SUPERVISOR: Dr. AISHAT DANMALLAM

APRIL, 2025

i
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this report of student’s industrial work declare that the
information provided therein are mine and those that are not mine are properly
acknowledged.

ii
 DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to Almighty Allah for His infinite mercy over my life and for
his divine provision and guidance throughout the period of my Industrial Training.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am incredibly appreciative to the All-Powerful God for providing me with the

chance, aptitude, competence, and capability to finish this effort. Additionally, I
would like to express my sincere gratitude to the BUA cement Company team and
other employees who have helped me throughout my employment. Finally, I want to
convey my sincere gratitude to my family and friends, whose support, love, and
standing by my side have been crucial in enabling me to finish this task. I really
appreciate you coming over.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page……………………………………………………………………….... i

Declaration………………………………………………………………………..ii

Certification………………………………………………………………………iii

Dedication ………………………………………………………………………..iv

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………….....v

Table of content………………………………………………………………… vii

CHAPTER ONE

1.1Background of SIWES…………………………………………………...... 1

1.2 Aim and objectives of SIWES………………………………………………1

1.3About BUA cement….……………………………………………………… 2

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Description of the Company………………………………………………..3

2.1 Overview of cement manufacturing………………………………………..8

2.2 Departments and Units in BUA cement, sokoto………….……………….8

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Industrial Training Scheme…………………………………………….12

3.1 All activities carried out……………………….………………………..12

3.2 Skills acquired…………………………………………………………….

CHAPTER FOUR

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4.0 Challenges Encountered ………………………………………………33

4.1 Recommendation on how the scheme can be improved……………….33

4.2 Conclusion……………………………………………………………….34

4.4 References…………………………………………………................. 36

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In a quest to improve one’s intellectual competence, a series of courses are taken in

the tertiary institutions of knowledge. These courses may vary from discipline to

discipline in other to fill in different gaps in the economic needs of the society.

The courses are taken in series of theoretical and practical sessions. Over the past

years, studies have revealed that there was a great gap between the university graduate

and the industry of discipline.

In other to close this gap between a fresh graduate and the industry, the SIWES

program was introduced in Nigeria in 1979. SIWES meaning Students Industrial

Work Experience Scheme is a skills training program designed to expose and prepare

students of the tertiary institutions for the industrial work situation they are likely to

meet after graduation.

Training is an integral part of vocational or career development which is fast

becoming a global and pervasive phenomenon in any establishment, the absence of

which spells doom for such an institution and the presence of which determines the

success of any enterprise or company. In another view, training is an organized,

coordinated development of knowledge, skills and attitudes needed by an industrial

worker to master a given situation or perform a certain task within an organization

setting which might be needful in future time. It was observed that effective training

vii
brings about an increase in knowledge required in the job, knowledge of the structure

and institution/business arms of the organization.

1.1 Background of SIWES

Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was established in 1971, the Industrial Training Fund

has operated consistently and painstakingly within the context of its enabling laws,

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.

Over the years, pursuant to its statutory responsibility, the ITF has expanded its

structures, developed training programmes, reviewed its strategies, operations and

services in order to meet the expanding, and changing demands for skilled manpower

in the economy. Beginning as a Parastatal "B" in 1971, headed by a Director, the ITF

became a Parastatal "A" in 1981, with a Director-General as the Chief Executive

under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry. The Fund has a 13 member Governing

Council and operates with 6 Departments and 3 Units at the Headquarters, 27 Area

Offices, 2 Skills Training Centres, and a Centre for Industrial Training Excellence.

As part of its responsibilities, the ITF provides Direct Training, Vocational and

Apprentice Training, Research and Consultancy Service, Reimbursement of up to

60% Levy paid by employers of labour registered with it, and administers the

viii
Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). It also provides human

resource development information and training technology service to industry and

commerce to enhance their manpower capacity and in-house training delivery effort.

The main thrust of ITF programmes and services is to stimulate human performance,

improve productivity, and induce value-added production in industry and commerce.

Through its SIWES, Vocational and Apprentice Training Programmes, the Fund also

builds capacity for graduates and youth self-employment, in the context of Small

Scale Industrialisation, in the economy.

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a recognised program

which forms part of the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) approved academic

requirements in the various Science, Education and Agricultural programs offered in

Nigeria universities. It was established by Industrial Trust Fund (ITF) in 1973 to solve

the problem of inadequate practical skills preparatory for employment in industries by

Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions. The minimum duration for SIWES is 24

weeks (6 months), except for Engineering and Technology which is 40 weeks (10

months) in the universities.

The SIWES Programmes according to Onwuji (2004) being a skills acquisition

programme blends theory with practice in the industrial and commercial activities of

our national economy. Ugwuamji (2010) asserts that SIWES is a cooperative

industrial internship program that involves institutions of higher learning, Industries,

the Federal government of Nigeria, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Nigerian

ix
Universities Commission (NUC) and NBTE/NCCEE in Nigeria.

The scheme affords students the opportunity of familiarizing and exposing themselves

to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that are usually not

available in their institutions. Thus, the students' industrial work experience scheme

provides avenues for student in institutions of higher learning to acquire practical

skills that they are likely to meet after graduation. However, Wodi and Dokubo (2009)

opined that if the Scheme is not adequately implemented, it becomes difficult for

graduates of the system to secure employment in the occupations or make a smooth

transition from schools to work. They conclude that in spite of apparent economic

difficulty, the SIWES in Nigerian institutions are attaining its objectives.

Nevertheless, SIWES plays a significant role in human resource development in

Nigeria and students. According to Ugwuamji (2010), students should be aware of

what the present society holds for them and adapt accordingly.

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established to bridge

the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industrial applications. It is

designed to equip students with hands-on experience in their respective fields of

study, thereby improving their employability and professional competence.

1.2 Objectives of SIWES

 To provide an avenue for students in the tertiary institutions to acquire skills

and experience in their course of study.

 To provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work

x
 and actual practice.

 To make transition from school to world of work easier.

 To enhance students contacts for later job placement opportunities.

 To expose students to work techniques and machinery.

 To enlist and strengthen employers involvement in the entire educational

process.

1.3 About BUA Cement, Sokoto

BUA Cement Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading cement manufacturing companies,

known for its high-quality cement production. The Sokoto plant is equipped with

modern facilities and advanced manufacturing processes that ensure efficient cement

production while adhering to environmental and safety standards.

CHAPTER TWO

xi
DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY

BUA Cement PLC is a publicly listed firm headquartered in Nigeria, it produces and

markets cement products in the country. It is the second largest producer in Nigeria

after Dangote Cement. The company was formed through the consolidation of the

cement interest of the BUA Group, promoters of Obu Cement Company and the

Kalambaina Company majority owned Cement Company of Northern Nigeria.

Fig. 2.1: Logo of BUA Cement

BUA Group's entry into the cement market began in 2008 when the government gave

them the license to import cement to a selected group of entrepreneurs. BUA initially

began operations with a floating cement clinker, re-bagging the products before it

went on to purchase controlling interest in the struggling Edo Cement plant. Majority

of the firm's raw materials are found close to its plant locations in Edo and Sokoto

States. The company was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in January 2020 with

a market cap of $3.2 billion.

Obu Cement

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In 2009, BUA Group purchased interest in Edo Cement Company, Okpella, a

company that previously traded under the name of Bendel cement. As production was

on a decline at the plant, BUA commissioned a new plant at Obu, a few kilometres

from Okpella, production from the new clinker began in 2014, later another

production line was added in 2019. Combined production capacity at its two lines is 6

million tonnes.

CCNN

The Cement Company of Northern Nigeria was incorporated in 1962 as the first

cement manufacturing firm in the Northern Nigeria region. The first plant was built

by a West German engineering firm at the cost of three million pounds. The capacity

of the first plant was 200,000 tonnes per annum producing through a dry process kiln.

Throughout its operations, technical and management difficulties affected the running

of the clinker. In 1988, a new 600,000 tonnes plant was commissioned and the old one

was later decommissioned. The company was founded by the Northern Nigeria

Development Company and sourced its limestone from the Kalambaina formation

nearby. BUA Group acquired controlling interest in CCNN in 2009 and in 2018, it

facilitated the merger of its solely owned Kalambaina Cement with the publicly listed

CCNN. The firm's Kalambaina plant includes investment in energy infrastructure such

as a power plant to supply electricity and coal mining to fuel the plant

2.1 Overview of Cement Manufacturing

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Cement manufacturing involves several key processes, including raw material

extraction, crushing, grinding, clinker production, and cement packaging. The raw

materials used include limestone, clay, and gypsum, which undergo chemical

reactions at high temperatures to form clinker, the primary component of cement.

2.2 Departments and Units in BUA Cement, Sokoto

 Production Department: Oversees raw material processing, clinker production,

and cement grinding.

 Quality Control and Assurance: Ensures that cement meets required standards

through laboratory testing.

 Maintenance and Engineering: Handles equipment servicing and repairs to

ensure smooth operations.

 Environmental and Safety Department: Ensures compliance with health,

safety, and environmental regulations.

 Control Room: Monitors plant operations and ensures optimal performance of

industrial processes.

 Laboratory and Physical Testing Room: Conducts chemical and physical

analyses to verify the quality of raw materials and finished cement products.

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 PRODUCTION FLOWCHART OF CEMENT

Cement Cement
Quarrying milling packaging

Crushing Kiln

Reclaiming Raw milling

xv
 QUARRY

CRUSHING
RAW MILLING

PARKING PLANT
KILN

CEMENT MILL

xvi
 CHAPTER THREE

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING EXPERIENCE

3.1 Activities Carried Out

During my industrial training at BUA Cement, Sokoto, I was involved in various activities,

including:

1. Raw Material Testing: Conducted chemical and physical analyses of limestone, clay, and

gypsum in the laboratory and physical testing room.

2. Cement Quality Control: Performed tests such as fineness, setting time, and compressive

strength.

3. Kiln Operations Monitoring: Observed and assisted in controlling kiln temperature and

clinker formation from the control room.

4. Equipment Maintenance: Assisted in routine servicing and minor repairs of industrial

machines.

5. Control Room Operations: Learned how plant operations are monitored and controlled to

maintain efficiency and safety.

6. Safety Training: Participated in workshops on workplace safety measures and

environmental management.

3.2 Skills Acquired

 Proficiency in laboratory testing of cement materials.

 Understanding of cement production processes.

 Hands-on experience in industrial equipment maintenance.

17
  Familiarity with control room monitoring and process optimization.

 Improved teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

18
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 SUMMARY OF ATTACHMENT ACTIVITIES

During the training exercise, I learnt; the mode of operation and the working principle of

different machines, chemical analysis (on water and raw materials), production of cement,

calibration of machines and apparatus, packaging of cement and in-process tests on raw materials

used and finished products.

4.1 PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED.

During my industrial training program, I had some challenging experience that I

struggled with, which in turn help to developed more as a person ready for transition into the

world of work upon graduation. During my first few weeks at company’s Quality control section.

However, thanks to their immense guidance this became a tale of the past.

Another problem I faced is that I initially struggled to cope with the hectic work schedule

as I had to work for nine hours daily from Monday to Saturday throughout the program which

my body is not used to before.

Furthermore, there's problem of lack of adequate man power as constant reduction in the

number of IT students occurred due to the completion of their own program there by resulting to

noticeable lapses in the field work.

However, not only that I completed the program in a modest way, the training couldn't have been

a worthwhile experience without all these challenges as it helped me to developed as a chemist

19
ready transition into the world of work, and as a much better person than who I use to be.

Limited access to certain production areas due to safety concerns. High temperatures and dust

levels in production units. Technical complexities of some industrial machines. Need for greater

exposure to control room operations.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW THE SCHEME CAN BE IMPROVED

As a student that has undergone the program, I've learned to improve some aspects of

myself of which I thought needs to be addressed.

Firstly, I would like to suggest that various industries should try to accept as many

students as possible, thus leading to increase in man power and enhanced productivity.

Secondly, I'll suggest that these Industries should try and appreciate the service of their

trainee (in term of allowance) upon the completion of their program. By doing this, students will

be more committed to the program and the service they rendered to the companies through it.

In addition to this, I'll urge the ITF in conjunction with tertiary institutions to try and do

their best in term of adequate supervision of the program

More practical training sessions should be incorporated into the university curriculum. Improved

safety measures and protective equipment for trainees. Better orientation programs before

industrial training to enhance preparedness. Increased hands-on involvement in control room and

process monitoring.

4.3 CONCLUSION

As a chemistry student, I will like to express that I have been able to acquire the most

20
relevant and effective industrial practical knowledge over the course of six months through

adequate exposure to different work methods that ranges from quantitative and qualitative

analysis, deducing and guarantying safety of products to be released to the masses, exposure to

some laboratory apparatus which I was not opportune to handle in school. Through this program,

am able to get clear pictures of existing theories as a result of corresponding application of

practical construct.

Moreover, through SIWES program, not only that I evolved as a chemist with appreciable

practical skill, I also improved my interpersonal relationships with other factory's workers

towards the achievement of a common goal, and also have the awareness of what it takes to be a

member of industrial sector.

In conclusion, SIWES program has been highly enlightening, challenging and beneficial

in that it exposes students to a new world which shapes them for future.The SIWES experience

at BUA Cement, Sokoto, provided invaluable practical knowledge relevant to my field of study. I

gained exposure to industrial operations, quality control, equipment maintenance, and control

room monitoring. This experience has enhanced my understanding of theoretical concepts and

prepared me for future professional engagements in the industry.

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"Dangote Cement" (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangote_Cement) , Wikipedia, 2024-07-19,

retrieved 2024-08-19

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Ebigwai, Joseph. "FLORAL STUDIES OF BUA CEMENT IN OKPELLA"

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