Towards boosting the capacity of engineers, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter has introduced a reverse mentorship scheme for practitioners, which will enable professionals and younger engineers to engage in mutual learning.
The scheme was launched in Lagos to honour APWEN’s fourth President, Mrs Idiat Amusu, who was the First Female Agricultural Engineering graduate in Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme, the Chairman of APWEN Lagos chapter, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, said the initiative is a dynamic and transformative scheme. According to her, the scheme has a unique approach where experienced practitioners share their knowledge, insights, and expertise with young engineers, while the younger generation contributes fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and digital fluency.
She said: “The programme emphasises inclusivity and addresses personal and professional development across all stages of an engineer’s journey. It includes targeted discussions on topics like menopause awareness, retirement planning, and skill acquisition for seasoned professionals, including career growth, technical mastery, and soft skills development.
“We will not only build the future of engineering through young women but also ensure senior engineers are not left behind in the ever-evolving world of technology and future skills.”
Owolabi further said the chapter through partnerships with platforms like Udemy has procured over 10 courses to train and mentor young professionals in Artificial Intelligence, data science analytics, communication skills, and solar energy PV design.
In her remarks, Amusu said as professionals grow older, they need to learn new things, adding that the faster way is to tap into the knowledge of the younger generations.
She urged practitioners to become intentional in learning new things and stay relevant in society. Amusu called on corporate organisations to embrace reverse mentorship as part of measures to improve communication. She thanked the chapter for honouring her with the scheme.
Earlier, the keynote speaker, Mr Olawumi Gasper, noted that while government, private sector and non-governmental organisations have been engaging in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship education to make young professionals appreciate how to create wealth.
However, he said there is still a gap which can be bridged through the introduction of mentorship captains or commanders to guide the youths.
The speakers including the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mrs Abiola Kosegbe, Director of Programmes and Coordination at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Oyindamola Egbeyemi, and past APWEN president, Mrs Joanna Maduka, shared insights on the need to deepen mentorship, skill up the youth to further create wealth, and jobs in the economy.
Specifically, Mrs Maduka lauded Amusu for her resilience and passion for mentoring young engineers and appealed to other experienced engineers to emulate her.
