History was made on 11th June, 2025, as the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) Akwa Ibom/Cross River states Chapter, led by the Chairman, Engr. Ikemesit Orok, took a significant step in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and community development. The society organized a career counselling session as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative at Western Annang Secondary Commercial School (WASCO), Ukanafun, Akwa Ibom State.
The NSChE team, which included Engr. Ahmed Isa, Engr. Iniobong Akwaeyo, Engr. Cosmas Ekanem, Engr. Dr. Idongesit Sampson, and Engr. Prof. Esang Esitikot were warmly received by the school management and students. The outreach created valuable opportunities to guide students on career opportunities in chemical engineering and related fields, exposing them to various career paths and industry expectations. “We believe that empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers is crucial to the development of our region,” Engr. Ikemesit Orok said in his opening remarks. He added, “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.”
Engr. Prof. Esang Esitikot, a former student of the school who led the career talk, started with the foundational principles of success and thereafter presented a comprehensive career counselling lecture, inspiring students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The discussion covered considerations in the 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, Engr. Prof. Esitikot emphasized the need for personal responsibility, determination, and right mindset in achieving success in any given field. He particularly called for mindset shift from victim’s mentality to empowered mentality, as that was fundamentally endearing with any challenge and making the desired progress. As Engr. Prof Esitikot noted, “Career choices can be daunting, especially for students who are just starting to explore career options.”
As part of its corporate social responsibility, the NSChE Akwa Ibom/Cross River states Chapter donated 37 textbooks, 1000 branded exercise books, 1250 pens, and science equipment worth millions of naira to the school. According to Engr. 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 management, led by the Principal General, Mr. Udeme Akpan, was visibly elated. “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.” the principal said. He added, “We are grateful for the donations and the career counselling session, and we look forward to future collaborations” and challenged the students and teachers to make good use of the items donated. The school Vice Principal for Special Duties, Mr. Emmanuel Udo, an alumnus of the school, described the event as “Marvelous, spectacular, overwhelming…” and led the students through a special prayer sessions for divine blessings for NSChE.
Other highlights of the day was a health talk presented by Mrs Mfon Umoren, an alumnus of the school and 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. There was also the presentation of spot prizes to some students who answered random questions. A senior secondary two student, Godswill Silas, who distinguished himself during the session, for selected for award during NSChE, Akwa Ibom/ Cross River states Chapter’s end-of-year dinner/award night. The event also gave birth to a new slogan for the school: WASCO, future nation builders!
The success of the event has paved the way for potential future collaborations between the NSChE and WASCO, Ukanafun. The Society’s efforts may also inspire other organizations to follow suit in promoting a culture of giving back to the community and addressing the infrastructural deficits observed in the school, a common feature in public schools.
As the students return to their respective classrooms, they were filled with renewed hope and determination, inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead in the field of chemical engineering and beyond. The NSChE Akwa Ibom/Cross River State Chapter’s initiative has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the students and the school community.
NSChE Akwa Cross Publicity Department
