Enugu — Students of the Department of Industrial Physics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) on Wednesday undertook an academic excursion to the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI) located in Akwuke, Enugu State, as part of their practical exposure to industrial applications of physics.

The visit, led by the department’s Head, Dr. Chime Iheanyichukwu, provided students with firsthand experience of scientific manufacturing processes, laboratory technologies, and optical instrumentation systems used in real-world industrial environments.

Officials of the institute explained that the facility specializes in manufacturing laboratory glassware, moulded glass products, nylon packaging materials, gas cylinders, stoves, and chemical materials used in scientific experiments.

The institute also operates Advanced Manufacturing Units equipped with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, vertical milling machines, and precision cutting devices fitted with diamond-tipped blades for glass fabrication.

According to instructors at the institute, the organization also serves as a preparatory training centre for students interested in optics, a field not widely offered in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

 Trainees are introduced to foundational optical concepts before pursuing advanced studies abroad in countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada.

At the start of the excursion, students received safety instructions from Engineer Ide Onyebuchi,who cautioned them against running, touching equipment, or making noise inside laboratories and workshops.

The tour was later conducted by Engineer Innocent, who led the students through the institute’s various departments and units.

In the optical section, students observed demonstrations involving prisms, photon identification, and light transmission experiments.

Equipment displayed included a pinhole camera for long-distance image viewing, simple and computerized telescopes, and precision measuring instruments used in optical analysis.

 They were also shown triangular prisms and introduced to related scientific formula. The group visited testing laboratories containing scientific apparatus used for material analysis.

Among the exhibits was formalin, a preservative chemical used to prevent biological specimens from decaying. Students were also shown plastic recycling facilities where discarded plastics are melted and remoulded into new products.

At the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centre, they observed automated fabrication systems capable of producing industrial components and laboratory instruments. Demonstrations included fibre-lens cutting equipment using high-temperature flame technology for precision shaping.

The students described the institute’s instructors as approachable, supportive, and effective communicators who simplified technical explanations for easier comprehension. Many students reported that the interactive teaching style enhanced their understanding of practical physics applications.

Speaking after the excursion, the Head of Department, Dr. Chime Iheanyichukwu, explained that the purpose of the visit was to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial practice.

He noted that many people wrongly assume Physics graduates are limited to classroom teaching, adding that the initiative was designed to change that perception by exposing students to the wide range of career opportunities available in the field.

He encouraged the students to pursue excellence, remain strong, and courageous assuring them that dedication would ultimately lead to significant achievements.

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