FUTIA Engineering Students Undertake Educational Excursion to Victor Attah International Airport

The School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi, FUTIA, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5, 2026, embarked on an educational excursion to the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as part of the University’s commitment to integrating classroom learning with practical industry experience.

The excursion involved 200 and 300 level students of the School of Engineering. It was designed to expose them to the operational, technological, and engineering systems that drive the aviation industry, providing firsthand knowledge of airport infrastructure, aircraft operations, safety standards, and the practical application of engineering principles in modern air transportation.

On arrival at the airport, the FUTIA delegation was warmly received by officials of the Victor Attah International Airport and Ibom Air.

The Head of Operations Unit of Ibom Air, Mrs. Emem Uweh, conducted the students through a comprehensive safety and security briefing. The students were acquainted with airport operational procedures, restricted areas, aviation safety protocols, and the importance of strict compliance with international safety standards in airport operations.

The students were thereafter taken on a guided tour of key operational sections of the airport, where they observed airport infrastructure, aircraft ground handling procedures, engineering maintenance facilities, terminal operations, airside activities, navigation support systems, and other critical components that ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and passengers.

During the exercise, the Head of Engineering Department of Ibom Air, Engineer Ime Ukpong, provided practical explanations on aircraft maintenance, airport engineering systems, operational logistics, safety management practices, and the various career opportunities available within the aviation industry. The interactive session afforded the students the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the practical application of engineering concepts beyond the classroom.

The educational excursion provided an invaluable learning experience by bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and real world engineering practice, while inspiring the students to appreciate the technological innovations and multidisciplinary expertise required in the aviation sector.

Members of staff who accompanied the students on the educational excursion include the Head of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Team Lead, Engineer Dr. Kufre Esenowo Jack; Engineer Anas Hassan of the Department of Civil Engineering; Engineer Dr. Akanimoh Udofia of the Department of Aerospace Engineering; Engineer Ekon Peter of Petroleum and Gas Engineering; Engineer Mfrekereabasi Akpan of Aerospace Engineering; Mrs. Nseobong Mbobo of Public Relations/Information Unit; and Mr. Ekpeno Sunday of the Works Directorate.

The excursion forms part of the University’s broader commitment to producing industry ready graduates through experiential learning, fostering stronger collaboration between academia and industry, while equipping students with the practical knowledge and exposure required to excel in their respective fields.

It is worthy to emphasize that FUTIA is one of the tertiary institutions offering Aerospace Engineering in the country, with a commitment to training and retraining of man-power needs of the aviation industry and other engineering infrastructure.