The first set of rural secondary school students from Akwa Ibom State, who participated in an educational trip to the United Kingdom, have described their experience as a challenge to broaden their minds and become global thinkers.
Speaking with reporters while waiting to catch their flights back home, Anne Sambo, shared her excitement about the opportunity to experience a different academic environment, away from what she had always known.
“This has shown us that the world is much bigger than we thought. We have been challenged to develop a new mindset,” she said.
The trip, which involved students from the 31 local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, included visits to renowned educational institutions like the Imperial College London, Cambridge University, and Coventry University, London.
The students participated in interactive learning with academic and industry leaders, while touring the expansive facilities of the institutions.
For Godswill Asuquo, who hopes to study a course in the sciences, the trip has sparked a new interest in global scientific participation.
At the commencement of their educational trip, the students were received by the acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mohammed Maidugu, at the Nigerian House.
Christiana Archibong, one of the minders who accompanied the students, noted the positive impact of getting them out of their natural environment. “These students are learning that there is so much to discover beyond their immediate communities. They are seeing first hand, how history and culture shape societies, and it is making them think about their roles in the world,” she remarked.
For Udeme Okono, a mental health expert, also on the trip, it is kudos to the Akwa Ibom State government for committing resources to sponsor the children for the education trip.
He said the opportunity to visit renowned institutions will motivate the beneficiaries to become superstars that will be doing the state proud on the global stage in the next few years
The initiative, sponsored by Akwa Ibom State Government, is aimed at providing the students with exposure to international education, cutting-edge research, and diverse cultures.
Speaking on the accomplishments of the trip so far, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, commended the students for their eagerness to learn and encouraged them to maximise the knowledge they have gained.
“These students represent the future of Akwa Ibom. We hope this experience will inspire them to think critically about their education and the role they can play in shaping our state, country and world,” she said.
The students expressed the desire to share their experiences with their peers back home. For some, the exposure to advanced learning environments and global issues have sparked a newfound passion for giving back to their communities and encouraged others to pursue knowledge with a broader perspective.
