The study examined Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme
carried out in NIFFR visa-a-vise the challenge of skilled manpower
development for fishery extension. Secondary data collected from NIFFR
library and report of 2007 SIWES period was analysed descriptively. Out
of 617 students from 36 schools that visited NIFFR, 282 (46%) were for IT
from 16 tertiary institutions in the six geo-political zones. Over 80% of the
IT students were University students in the department of fisheries
dominated by institutions in the South West and North Central zones.
SIWES students spend 2-32 weeks to acquire skills and practical
knowledge in different aspects of fisheries like artisanal, aquaculture &
biotechnology, fish technology, environmental studies, and socioeconomic/
extension. High influx of students in the department of fisheries
is an indication that NIFFR adds value to graduates of fisheries. However,
it is appalling to note that students of agricultural extension never utilize
opportunities existing at NIFFR for industrial training like their
counterparts in fisheries department. This is a pointer to a large extent
that the challenge of training skilled and competent professionals for
fishery agricultural extension is still a mirage rather than a reality. To
reverse the ugly trend, students of agricultural extension in various
tertiary institutions should be compelled to spend at least two weeks of
their IT period at NIFFR for practical experience. This development will be
seen as a step in the right direction towards skill development and
changing student’s perception to seek livelihood in fishery particularly in
aquaculture to create jobs and reduce unemployment as well as building
competency and confidence
