OBASEME DOMINION OSEMUAHU

Background: Industrial radiography is a crucial non-destructive testing method that ensures the safety and integrity of industrial infrastructure. Despite its importance, awareness and adoption of industrial radiography as a career path among radiography students remain underexplored, particularly in Nigeria. Aim: This study investigates the awareness of industrial radiography among radiography students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. It examines their awareness levels, sources of information, attractors, detractors, and perceptions of industrial radiography as a career option. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used, a self constructed questionnaire was used in collecting data from 266 radiography students. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to analyze the data, assessing relationships between awareness and various demographic and academic factors. Results: 69.5% of students were aware of industrial radiography, with media (38.4%) and lectures (32.4%) being the primary sources of information. - 79.7% believed industrial radiography was not adequately covered in their curriculum. The key attractors to the field were the opportunity to work in an industry (29.3%) and improved remuneration (29.3%), while the main detractors were a preference for medical radiography (30.1%) and fear of radiation hazards (25.6%). Despite 82.3% perceiving industrial radiography as a prestigious career, 89.1% felt it was not a popular career choice in Nigeria. - Chi-square tests showed a significant relationship between age group and awareness (p = 0.004) and between awareness of industrial radiography as a career and general awareness (p < 0.001). xi No significant relationships were found between gender, level of study, curriculum coverage, or perception of prestige and awareness levels. Conclusion: While awareness of industrial radiography is relatively high, significant gaps exist in curriculum coverage and practical training. The study recommends integrating industrial radiography into the curriculum, fostering university-industry collaborations, and conducting awareness campaigns to promote industrial radiography as a viable career option. These steps are essential for developing a skilled rkforce to enhance the safety and integrity of Nigeria's industrial infrastructure.