By Chiekezie Emmanuel

The Industrial Physics Department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, (ESUT) visited the National Center for Base Space Research (NCBSS) Nsukka, to educate students on space structure.

Led by the Head of Department, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwu, the students embarked on the excursion and enlightenment programme on Wednesday.

The event began with a seminar by Mr. Achụ, introducing students to career opportunities and astronomy. Notable attendees included Dr. Kingsley, B. Ị Abubakar, Director of National Base Space Research Nsukka, Dr. Bonaventure Okere, and Head of Department of Industrial Physics, ESUT, Dr. Ifeanyi.

Dr. Chukwu stated that the excursion became imperative because over the years, students lacked practical knowledge of what they learn in class. To address this, he decided to take his students on excursions every semester to different research centers related to their field of study.

“In areas like this, people think that those who read Physics only end up as teachers. This avenue shows them job opportunities in the Physics department and where they can work after school,” Dr. Chukwu said.

Year One class representative, Okolo Abraham, of the Industrial Physics Department, applauded the Head of Department for organizing the event. He emphasized that the excursion was crucial, exposing upcoming physicists and astronomers to new experiences.

“If more of this is introduced into the educational system, I feel people will know what they are doing. People often read Industrial Physics without knowing what they are doing or studying, thinking it’s only Physics without knowing there’s more inside,” Okolo Abraham said.

Director of National Base Center Space Science, Dr. Bonaventure Okere, commended Dr. Chukwu and shared his ideals. He emphasized that it was expected of the department to visit the center, as it is a hub for space science and astronomy.

“Astronomy is a profession that comprises engineers, doctors, industrial physicists, and media practitioners. We need astronomy in Nigeria; we don’t have enough of them. Some universities doing astronomy include Abia State University of Science, Federal University of Owerri (FUTO), and Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT),” Dr. Okere said.

He pleaded with ESUT Monitor to propagate information about astronomy, telling the world about its importance.