In a major drive to prepare young Nigerians for the realities of the job market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), through its Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), has mentored 150 final-year female students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The transformative event, themed “Career Readiness Skills for the Real World,” was designed to empower young graduates with the critical skills, mindset, and confidence needed to excel beyond the classroom.
The mentorship program was held in collaboration with NNPC’s partners under the Shell Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and the Ascent Club. It brought together top executives, industry professionals, and thought leaders who shared deep insights on employability, leadership, personal branding, and career development.
Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders
At the heart of the initiative was the commitment to promote gender inclusion and bridge the professional readiness gap for young Nigerian women. The 150 selected final-year students were drawn from diverse faculties across UNILAG, representing a range of disciplines including engineering, sciences, management, and social sciences.
Speaking during the event, Ms. Nkechi Anaedobe, Head of Business Services at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, emphasized the significance of mentorship in shaping future leaders. According to her, mentorship is “a lifelong tool that drives personal, corporate, and societal growth.” She encouraged the beneficiaries to see mentorship as a catalyst for both professional advancement and self-discovery.
Anaedobe further noted that NNPC’s investment in mentorship initiatives reflects the company’s dedication to developing homegrown talent, ensuring that Nigerian youths — especially women — are well-equipped for global competitiveness in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
Practical Sessions on Career Readiness and Employability Skills
The career clinic featured multiple interactive sessions and workshops focused on the core skills needed to succeed in the modern workplace. Experts from NNPC, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), and other organizations facilitated discussions on:
- Personal Branding: How to present oneself effectively in professional environments, including CV optimization and interview readiness.
- Leadership and Emotional Intelligence: Building confidence, teamwork, and resilience in the workplace.
- Digital and Technical Competence: Understanding the evolving role of technology in the energy and corporate sectors.
- Networking and Mentorship: Leveraging relationships for growth and career mobility.
Students also engaged in real-world simulations and one-on-one mentoring sessions that provided practical guidance on transitioning from academic life to professional environments.
NNPC’s Corporate Vision: Building Sustainable Talent Pipelines
The mentorship initiative aligns with NNPC’s long-term corporate vision of investing in human capital development as part of its social responsibility to the Nigerian people. By equipping students with employability skills and mentorship opportunities, NNPC aims to close the skill gap between university education and the demands of the labor market.
Beyond its core operations in oil and gas, NNPC continues to champion initiatives that promote education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The program demonstrates the company’s broader commitment to national development and sustainable empowerment.
According to NUIMS management, this initiative forms part of a continuous mentorship framework that will extend beyond a single event. Participants will receive ongoing guidance and access to career networks that will help them secure meaningful employment or pursue entrepreneurial ventures after graduation.
Students Laud NNPC’s Mentorship Drive
The participants expressed profound appreciation to NNPC and its partners for their efforts in organizing such a life-changing initiative. Many of the mentees described the program as an eye-opener, providing clarity on how to navigate the competitive job market.
One of the students, a final-year engineering undergraduate, said the mentorship clinic gave her renewed confidence:
“This experience has changed how I see the transition from school to work. The sessions on personal branding and leadership made me realize that being prepared is more than just having a degree—it’s about having the right mindset and skill set.”
Others highlighted the importance of continuous mentorship and encouraged the organizers to make the program an annual engagement to benefit more students across Nigerian universities.
Mentorship as a Catalyst for National Development
Industry experts at the event reiterated that mentorship is a critical ingredient for building the nation’s human capital. They called for more collaboration between corporations and educational institutions to prepare Nigerian graduates for global competitiveness.
They emphasized that programs like this not only empower individual students but also contribute to the country’s broader goal of reducing unemployment and fostering innovation. As Nigeria’s energy landscape continues to evolve, such initiatives position the next generation to take up leadership roles across industries.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Impact through Long-Term Mentorship
The organizers disclosed that the 150 participating students would remain connected to their mentors through a structured follow-up plan, which includes periodic virtual check-ins, networking opportunities, and professional support. This continuity ensures that the mentorship impact extends well beyond the event.
NNPC and its partners reaffirmed their dedication to sustaining similar capacity-building initiatives across universities nationwide. The goal is to create a ripple effect of empowerment that reaches more young Nigerians, particularly women, and inspires them to take charge of their career journeys with purpose and vision.
