By Nsikak Udo
Uyo—Students of Pan African Comprehensive Secondary School, Uyo, recently rounded off the academic term with a series of educational and extracurricular excursions designed to expose them to practical learning beyond the classroom.
The excursions, organised for the school’s various clubs, took members of the Press Club, JETS Club, Dance, Drama and Debating Club, and Enterprise Club to notable institutions in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where they received hands-on training from seasoned professionals.
The Press Club visited the communications complex of Advocate Broadcasting Network (ADBN) Television, Uyo, where members were introduced to the operations of a modern broadcast station.
The students toured the live broadcast studios, control rooms, news and editorial departments, editing and post-production suites, as well as the administrative offices of the media outfit, which operates Passion94.5 FM for radio broadcasts and streams television content digitally and via satellite platforms.
They also received practical lessons on news gathering, script preparation, television production, and news broadcasting, giving them a firsthand understanding of how television programmes are produced.
The students were warmly received by the station’s management team, including the General Manager, Mr. Ikechukwu Juwe; Head of Administration, Mr. Idongesit Idio; Head of Programmes, Mr. Caesar Job; Head of Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ayong; and Customer Care Officer, Miss Sifon Daniels, who encouraged the students to embrace professionalism and excellence in the media industry.
Similarly, members of the JETS Club visited the Advanced Aerospace Technology Applications Laboratory at the University of Uyo, where they explored the fascinating world of aerospace science and technology.
The students participated in interactive lectures on how aircraft fly, space exploration, modern aviation technology, career opportunities in the aerospace industry and practical project ideas that could stimulate innovation among young scientists.
The sessions were facilitated by the Head of Education and Training, Dr. Millicent Okereke, and the Head of Satellites and Data Management, Dr. Musa Ibrahim, who inspired the students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
For members of the Dance, Drama and Debating Club, the destination was the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Uyo, where they received professional training in the performing arts.
The students were exposed to the fundamentals of acting, directing, stagecraft and technical theatre, costume and make-up, as well as playwriting and dramaturgy. The engaging sessions, coordinated by Dr. Sunday Umanah, provided valuable insight into the creative industry and the discipline required for successful stage performances.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise Club visited the University of Uyo Water Factory, where they learned the science and business behind potable water production.
The excursion featured detailed presentations on water sources, treatment processes, storage and distribution systems, engineering technologies, health, safety and environmental practices, career opportunities in the water industry and live demonstrations of water quality testing.
The practical sessions enabled the students to appreciate the importance of safe drinking water, environmental sustainability and industrial quality control.
Teachers who accompanied the students, including the Vice Principal Special Duties/Team Leader, Mr. Pius Ignatius; Mr. Odudu Clement, Head of the Press Club; Ms. Umo Utu, Head of the Enterprise Club; Mr. Gabriel Akpan, Head of the Literary and Debating Club; and Amb. Christian Ukoh, the Mobilization Committee Secretary, described the excursions as enriching experiences that complemented classroom learning and broadened the students’ understanding of various professions and industries.
They noted that the visits provided valuable opportunities for career orientation, innovation, creativity and experiential learning, while equipping the students with practical knowledge that will aid their academic and personal development.
The educational tours formed part of the school’s commitment to providing holistic education by combining academic excellence with practical exposure, leadership development and career exploration.
Students expressed excitement over the experiences, describing the excursions as enlightening, inspiring and memorable highlights of the academic term. They also appreciated the warm reception accorded them by their hosts and pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their future academic pursuits.
