Female engineers harp on reverse mentoring for inclusive communities

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos chapter, has advised members to embrace reverse mentoring as a tool to bridge generational gap, create innovative and inclusive engineering communities.

Chairman of the chapter, Mrs. Atinuke Owolabi, gave the charge at a public lecture and monthly meeting of APWEN Lagos entitled: “Reverse Mentoring for the Female Engineers Elders on New Trends” to commemorate the International Day for Older Persons, in Lagos.

Seven senior engineers, who were past leaders of the association, were inducted into the chapters’ elders’ forum.

Owolabi said by actively engaging in reverse mentoring, both junior and senior professionals can stay relevant. She explained that embracing new trends and technologies ensures that skills remain in demand and allow people to make meaningful contributions towards the profession, while fostering collaboration.

She said: “Reverse mentoring empowers the next generation in their career journeys and helps them unlock their full potential, paving the way for future success. This also creates a legacy as older engineers will have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the field of engineering by mentoring and nurturing the talents of those who will carry the torch forward.”

Owolabi reaffirmed the commitment of APWEN to a future where age is no impediment to passion for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). She also emphasised the need for seasoned engineers to learn from the fresh perspectives of younger colleagues, ensuring that they stay relevant in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

“Our senior members bring a wealth of experience, industry insights, and a deep understanding of engineering principles that have stood the test of time. However, they can benefit immensely from the technological prowess and innovative thinking of our younger engineers. Likewise, our younger engineers can gain invaluable wisdom and guidance from the trailblazing careers of our elders,” she said.

Former APWEN president, Mrs. ldiat Amusu, said reverse mentoring is important for growth as technology keeps evolving with tools such as Artificial intelligence, virtual reality and others currently playing a leading role in the digital world.

She said engineers need to familiarise themselves with these tools to become relevant.

ICT expert / business coach, C-Suites Executive, Haastrup Adesoji, said: “Normally in a mentoring process, the elders train the younger ones but these days we have certain skills that are popular among the Generation Z, which are the lower in age. We need to let the elders know that they can participate in the latest technology development to close the gaps, provide skills required of them in the modern era and contribute to society.”

Speaking on advantages of reverse mentoring, a Senior lecturer / Researcher at the Afe Babalola University, Ado- Ekiti, Dr. Imhade Okokpujie, explained that the benefits include breaking generational stereotypes, promotes diversity and help the senior engineers to stay physically active by improving brain function.

She added that the mentoring process boosts exchange of skills, knowledge and experience regardless of seniority, as well as make parties more relevant to modern society.