Students of the Western Annang Secondary Commercial School, WASCO, Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State, were have been equipped with knowledge on career path as well as books and science equipment, courtesy of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, NSChE, Akwa Ibom/Cross River states chapter.
The group was led to the foremost secondary school by some alumni of the school, among them Prof Esang Esitikot, himself a chemical engineer. During their visit, the engineers sensitized the students to the rudiments of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and community development.
Ikemesit Orok, in his opening remarks said “we believe that empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers is crucial to the development of our region. Through this initiative, we aim to provide guidance, support, and resources to help students make informed decisions about their careers. As chemical engineers, we have a responsibility to give back to our community and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
Esitikot, a columnist with TNN, who led the career talk stressed the foundational principles of success, inspiring students to pursue careers along the lines of STEM. He counselled them on choice of courses to study with emphasis on the valuable opportunities and requirements for pursuing careers in Chemical engineering and allied fields.
Using personal examples and the challenges he faced in the course of his educational journey, Esitikot emphasized the need for personal responsibility, determination and the right mindset in achieving success in any given field, emphasizing the need for mindset shift from victim’s mentality to empowered mentality, saying that was a key factor to survive challenges.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the NSChE donated 37 textbooks, 1000 branded exercise books, 1250 pens, and science equipment worth millions of naira to the school.
According to Orok, “these donations are expected to enhance the students’ academic resources, support note-taking and learning, and promote hands-on learning and experimentation.”
The school Principal, Mr. Udeme Akpan who was visibly elated said “I never expected it was going to be a great event like this. This is exactly what our students need – guidance and support to help them navigate their future careers.
“Posterity will never forget this. We are grateful for the donations and the career counselling session, and we look forward to future collaborations. He challenged the students and teachers to make good use of the items donated.
Vice Principal, special duties, Mr. Emmanuel Udo, also an alumnus, described the event as “marvelous, spectacular, overwhelming.” He led the students through a special prayer sessions for divine blessings for NSChE.
Other highlights was a health talk by Mrs Mfon Umoren, an alumnae, who is currently the Chief Nursing Superintendent in charge of adolescents and youths, Primary Health Care, Ukanafun. She emphasized the need for healthy lifestyles and abstinence from premarital sexual relationships.
