Industrial Training 2024: Idowu Paul

Brief Introduction.

My name is Paul Idowu, a 400L student of Ladoke Akintola University Of Technology(LAUTECH), I am undergoing my Student Industrial Training at the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory in LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo state.

How did you get there?

Securing this placement was not difficult for me because I had already determined to have my Industrial Training in the chemistry Laboratory at LAUTECH, during the previous semester.

So, all I did was submit my Industrial Training letter and it got signed and accepted. Then, I was placed in the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory under the supervision of a professor.

What does the firm do?

My firm is in charge of conducting chemical experiments for undergraduates in their second and third year, whilst also showing basic ways to carry out chemical reactions.

Suggest other places where people in your department can train?

Other students in my department can have their Industrial Training in Food and Beverage Industries, Pharmaceutical Industries, Environmental Agencies, Quality Control Laboratories, Chemical Manufacturing Plants, Research Institutes, and many more.

What was the first shock you experienced?

The first shock I experienced was that I can't play with those chemical compounds I easily write their reaction schemes in my class notes. Everyone of them have their hazards, and precautions, which requires me to deal with them accordingly.

Interesting things about the place.

One of the most interesting things about the place is the privilege of knowing the things I did wrong in my practicals during my second and third year. This has not only enlightened me, but also made me, one who has a willing heart to participate in practical classes.

Also, having the privilege of interacting with the students during the practicals, specifically when I am disseminating reagents or samples, on having the right heart towards the practical classes and academics, has been fulfilling for me.

What are the challenges you face every day since you started your IT?

I have many goals aside from being committed to my Industrial Training placement. But, balancing these goals and being committed, has been pulling a stunt on me, since I began. This has been the peak of my challenges. However, every day the road to the balance I envisage has been getting clearer.

What have you learned other than things related to academics?

I have learned more about respect, and honor. I have been improving on some of my personal relationship traits which was very difficult before. Coupled with the fact that, we have a Chief Technologist who has been working in the laboratory for more than three decades in the university is something worthwhile for me. I have the privilege of gaining knowledge when he shows us mastery in the laboratory.

From your brief experience, which is easier? Work or School?

I would not settle for anyone but stay at the midline because I have been missing attending classes and have those pressured reading hours (because of tests and examinations), this semester. But, I can't deny I love the way I have been able to lay hands on the practical aspect of the things we have been taught in classes.

Has your IT program contributed to your academic and personal life?

Yes, it has. I have gained fresh energy to handle the practical aspect of chemistry, and also learnt ideas about dignity and reverence for elders in the field.

Oya gist us🤗🤗

The first time Concentrated HCl, was opened at my front to clean some dirty reagent bottle, I was terrified, because of the choking smoke I saw coming out. Some hours later, I was instructed to prepare 1M HCl, and I am to prepare it from that concentrated HCl. Quickly, I begged a friend (amongst us) to help me pour the required milliliters (ml) into the standard volumetric flask because I hadn't overcome the fear, and I still need my skin. 😂 However, I have been overcoming that fear.