The Computer Newsletter

In this October 2024 Edition, we focused on The SWEP 2024 programme

Oct 21, 2024

Welcome to the October 2024 edition of The Computer Newsletter. This edition is focused on the SWEP 2024 programme

What’s Inside?

SWEP Part 1 - Two Truths And A Lie

SWEP Part 2 - Watashi-tachi Wa Sutādesu (WE ARE STARS⭐)

Staff Promotion - Rhoda Ikono

SWEP Part 1 - Two Trusts And A Lie

Don’t even think about reading this if you can't handle the truth. Yep, I said it.

This edition of the computer newsletter is about to drop some serious tea as we dive into the events of the 2024 SWEP200 programme. Buckle up!

To Everything, There’s an End...

As we wrap up this year’s SWEP200, it’s only fair we bring you, our loyal readers, up to speed with every single thing that went down. Go ahead and call this the “unfiltered newsletter” because we’re not holding back this time. We’re giving it all to you, no filters, no sugar-coating.

And why “Two Truths and a Lie,” you ask? Because there’s so much here that you’re bound to doubt whether I’m telling the truth. But, spoiler alert: I am.

SWEP200, What’s That?

If you’re still wondering what this is all about, let me break it down: SWEP (Student Workshop Experience Programme) is part of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) created back in 1973.

The goal? To give students a taste of real-world industry experience that goes beyond textbooks. For six weeks, Computer Science and Engineering students get their hands dirty with on-the-job training, preparing them for life outside campus.

A Mixed Bag of Reviews: The Ups, Downs, and In-Betweens of SWEP.

This year’s SWEP was a whirlwind! For six weeks, we sat through 7-hour classes every day (with a one-hour break, thank you very much) from Monday to Friday. Was it intense? Absolutely. Was it necessary? Well... let’s just say opinions varied.

One thing was certain, though—attendance was no joke. If you were even a minute late, your name was already crossed off for the day. Harsh? Maybe. But hey, you were warned!

But don’t just take my word for it—let’s hear what the SWEP200 students had to say.

One anonymous student summed it up like this: “The betrayal hit differently.” Ouch. And “The President” (no, not the one you’re thinking of) wasn’t too pleased either: “Imagine coming a few minutes after 9 am only to be marked absent and have to wait till 4 pm. Ridiculous!” The wildest complaint, however, came from another student who grumbled: “Someone literally shook my hand in class, and next thing I know, my name was canceled from attendance.”

You can’t make this stuff up. But before you think it was all gloom and doom, let’s switch gears.

Some students had a blast! Computer Science and Engineering students, in particular, always know how to make the best of things. Here’s what a few had to say about their positive SWEP experience:

“Your only X” commented, “I’ve learned a lot, but more importantly, I’ve mastered the art of patience—down to milliseconds! All jokes aside, it’s been great.”

The Product Design class, too, was a massive hit. Manasseh, the Mathematics Option class rep, said: “My best experiences were in the Product Design class. Big shout-out to Comrade Fawaz and Michael, the Data Analysis tutor!” Ikenna, another mathematics option student, agreed: “The Product Design class was so engaging, especially when we were asked to come up with product ideas that could solve real-world problems.”

Speaking of Fawaz—yes, Comrade Fawaz! This year, most of our SWEP lectures were taught by final-year students. (PS: They are almost done with their project defense.) Personally, I enjoyed these classes because they were niche-specific, and the tutors, being relatively young in their tech fields, brought fresh perspectives. Honestly, this was a brilliant idea from our SWEP coordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Oyegoke.

But it wasn’t just the Product Design class getting rave reviews. Another favorite among SWEP students was the Flutter Development class taught by Farouq. Farouq didn’t just come to teach—he came to preach the gospel of Flutter.

In fact, three students shared why his class stood out for them:

ShyAnne reflected on her funniest moment: ‘You feel me’ throughout his class.”

“When Farouq, the Flutter dev tutor, kept saying Korede had a more touching experience, saying: “The Flutter Dev class was my favorite. Hearing him share his story and finding out that I’m not too late to begin, as some of my seniors actually got serious at the 300 level, was really encouraging.”

Anuoluwapo also had glowing feedback: “All the classes were top-notch, but the one that stood out for me was the Flutter class. It interested me because it’s my area of choice. And I have decided to pursue a career in that path.”

It’s clear that the SWEP experience wasn’t one-size-fits-all, but it certainly left an impression on everyone.

Deborah, the Engineering option rep, summed it up well. She loved every bit of SWEP, noting that “the 9 am to 4 pm classes are a simulation of the real work experience and an opportunity to build grit and discipline.”

And, of course, just like Kehinde, everyone’s favorite day was “the day we closed by 11:33 AM and were told there would be no class the next day. Superb!”

In the end, whether you loved it or endured it, SWEP left a mark on every student who attended. The experiences shared, both good and challenging, are what make programs like this unforgettable.

Behind the Scenes of SWEP: The Real MVPs Behind the Scenes

Here’s where things get even more interesting. This year’s SWEP supervisors were mostly final-year students (a.k.a. graduates who are wrapping up their project defenses). Yes, these were the real MVPs, keeping things in order while juggling their own academic work.

From supervising our group projects to making sure we stuck to the rules, these supervisors did it all. But don’t get it twisted—we had a love-hate relationship with them.

On one hand, they were strict with attendance, phone usage, and project deadlines. On the other hand, they were just like us: students, learning, teaching, and trying to survive it all.

But Wait… There’s More Coming!

Now that you’ve gotten a sneak peek into the chaos, joy, and drama of SWEP200, you’re probably wondering what’s next. Hold tight because Part B of this newsletter is where we really get into the good stuff.

We’re talking exclusive interviews with some of your favorite (and maybe not-so- favourite) supervisors. We’re spilling tea you didn’t even know existed, from crushes to app development stories to our SWEP project defense, the much anticipated “Touch Grass” SWEP picnic, and, of course, share the victory of the CSC Cookers at the SWEP Football League.

You won’t want to miss it!

Until next time, I’m your loyal gist partner, DalchTalks (Daluchi Godswill-Nwankwo).

P.S. — Between you and me, have you ever heard of someone making 10 mobile apps after one tutorial? Yep, that’s happening. Oh, and did I mention the snitching that went down during SWEP? Stay tuned!

Signed: Daluchi Godswill-Nwankwo and the SWEP content team.