Yetunde Adenike Adebayo, a distinguished Nigerian professional with over 13 years of experience in the global oil and gas industry, has been appointed as a Lecturer in Project Management at Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University (RGU), in the United Kingdom. Adebayo’s appointment marks a major milestone in her career as she transitions from a successful corporate journey in the energy sector to academia, where she will shape the future of project management and inspire the next generation of professionals.
Adebayo’s story is one of resilience, determination, and extraordinary professional growth. After completing her Higher National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering at The Polytechnic in Ibadan, Nigeria, she got employed by one of the leading multinational Oil and Gas servicing company, Schlumberger where she proved herself in various significant role she held. This foundation laid the groundwork for her rise in the energy sector, where she worked with global IOCs like Total, Shell, and ExxonMobil. Her reputation as a strategic leader and expert in project management quickly grew, with her skills proving invaluable in managing multimillion-dollar projects, optimizing operations, and improving safety protocols across various oil and gas ventures. Many years later, she pursued an MBA in Oil and Gas Management from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK which solidifies her strategic leadership and business management skills.
Reflecting on this new chapter in her career, Adebayo shared, “I’m incredibly excited to bring my professional experience into the classroom. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on complex and high-stakes projects, and now, I have the chance to share those lessons with students. It’s an opportunity to help shape the future of project management and to prepare students for the challenges they will face in their own careers.”
Her new role at Aberdeen Business School will see Adebayo teach a variety of courses within the Project Management curriculum, including Project Planning, Leadership, Project Risk Management, Agile Project Management, Strategy and Governance. In addition to teaching, she will be closely involved in the Graduate Apprenticeship module, a unique program that allows students to gain practical, real-world experience while earning academic credit. “Project management is about more than just understanding theories and frameworks; it’s about applying them to solve real-world problems. The Graduate Apprenticeship program will offer students a chance to integrate the classroom experience with hands-on work in the field, and I’m excited to be part of that,” Adebayo explained.
Before making the transition to academia, Adebayo held several key roles in the oil and gas sector. As Technical Project Manager at Ezion-Geber Energy Ltd., she managed a portfolio of projects valued at an average of $2 million each. During her tenure, Adebayo led teams that achieved a 20% reduction in operational costs and a 40% reduction in project risks. “The energy sector is dynamic, and the ability to manage complex projects in such an ever-evolving environment requires a high level of strategic thinking and leadership. These are the skills I want to pass on to my students,” she noted.
In addition to her role at Ezion-Geber, Adebayo served as Completions Service Delivery Lead at Schlumberger, managing high-value projects for some of the world’s largest energy companies. At Schlumberger, she worked on projects valued at $1.5 billion, where she helped reduce non-productive time and improved client satisfaction by 30%. “What I’ve learned from these projects is that success is not just about managing timelines or budgets; it’s about building strong relationships with clients and teams and ensuring everyone is aligned towards the same goals,” she explained.
Adebayo believes that her career in the energy sector has prepared her well for the classroom. “I’ve been fortunate to work in both the technical and operational sides of project management, so I bring a well-rounded perspective to my teaching. I’ll be able to guide students not just in the academic principles of project management, but also in how to apply those principles effectively in real-world scenarios,” Adebayo shared. “Project management, especially in sectors like oil and gas, requires a mix of problem-solving skills, leadership, and a deep understanding of how different components work together. I look forward to helping my students develop these skills.”
Her focus on developing the leadership potential of her students is a central theme of her teaching philosophy. “The best project managers are those who can inspire their teams and build strong, collaborative relationships. I want my students to understand that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about empathy, communication, and the ability to solve problems under pressure,” Adebayo said.
Adebayo also plans to integrate her expertise in risk management into her teaching. “Risk management is essential in any project, but especially in industries like oil and gas, where the stakes are high. I’ll be emphasizing how to identify risks early on and how to mitigate them. It’s not just about reacting to problems—it’s about being proactive and prepared,” she added.
As a Nigerian woman thriving in the international energy sector, Adebayo is particularly passionate about promoting diversity in both the classroom and the workplace. “It’s important for me to show young Nigerians, especially women, that there are no limits to what they can achieve. The global energy sector and the project management field are constantly evolving, and there’s room for everyone—regardless of gender or background—to make a meaningful impact,” she said. “I want my students to know that their voices and perspectives matter, and that diversity in teams often leads to the most innovative and successful projects.”
Her appointment also reflects the growing influence of Nigerian professionals in the global arena. “When I started my career, there were few Nigerians in senior positions in the global oil and gas industry, but today we are seeing more and more Nigerians excelling worldwide,” Adebayo noted. “This is an exciting time for Nigeria, and I hope my story will inspire the next generation to think globally and pursue careers that challenge them to grow and make a difference.”
Adebayo’s teaching style promises to be both hands-on and grounded in real-world experience. “I’ve always believed in learning by doing, and I plan to incorporate case studies from my own career to help students understand the complexities of project management. The classroom should be a place where students can engage with practical problems and develop solutions that are applicable in the real world,” she said.
As she embarks on this new journey, Adebayo remains focused on her commitment to education and mentorship. “Teaching is about more than transferring knowledge—it’s about inspiring students to believe in their potential and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. I want to be a mentor to my students, someone who can guide them through challenges and help them navigate their own career paths,” she concluded.
Yetunde Adebayo’s new role as a Lecturer at Aberdeen Business School is a powerful testament to the potential of Nigerian professionals on the global stage. Her unique blend of technical expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to mentorship promises to leave a lasting impact on the next generation of project managers. With her guidance, the future of project management education at RGU looks set to be bright, innovative, and diverse.
