The first batch of 400-level Avionics Engineering students from Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) has begun a six-month Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) internship with United Nigeria Airlines, with each student earning a monthly stipend of ₦100,000 throughout the programme. The development marks a significant step in aligning academic training with practical industry exposure in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Welcoming the students, the Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, stressed the importance of maximising the opportunity. He said the internship offers “hands-on industry experience that will complement academic training and prepare them for professional careers in the aviation industry.”
As part of their onboarding, the students underwent structured introductory sessions focused on airline technical operations and workplace expectations. The airline’s Line Maintenance Manager, Engr. Kwabena Adoma, alongside Engr. Benle Asemuah, guided the students through aircraft maintenance procedures and the operational realities within the engineering unit. These sessions were designed to familiarise them with safety standards, technical workflows, and real-time problem-solving in aviation environments.
In a separate session, Director of Human Resources, Kelechi Violet Asuquo, highlighted the importance of discipline and ethical conduct. According to her, “professionalism and workplace ethics are critical to thriving in the aviation sector,” urging the students to remain focused and adaptable.
Beyond the financial support, the ₦100,000 monthly stipend is expected to ease the students’ participation while reinforcing the value placed on technical training. The internship follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between both institutions to deepen collaboration and create structured pathways for high-level engineering development within the aviation industry.
