Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, has called upon Ph.D. holders to wholeheartedly embrace their distinctive roles as catalysts for the advancement and mentorship of the upcoming generation of scholars and professionals.
Dr. Raheem Abdul, the Rector of the institution, delivered this clarion call during a one-day Colloquium themed “Impacting the College Community through Self-development and Effective Mentoring,” held in Lagos on Friday.
Abdul emphasized that effective mentoring serves as the key to unlocking the potential within the college community, acting as the bridge that connects the wisdom of experience with the enthusiasm of youth. He urged doctoral degree holders to step forward as role models, guides, and champions of knowledge, asserting that together they could shape not only the future of YABATECH but also the countless lives that pass through its doors.
He articulated, “Self-development, an unending pursuit, is at the core of academic excellence. In our roles as educators and mentors, we must continually strive to broaden our horizons, both in terms of knowledge and personal growth. Through our own journeys of self-discovery and academic achievement, we have the power to inspire and guide our students and colleagues toward their paths of growth and success. As PhD holders, we have the privilege of benefiting from effective mentoring and also the responsibility to be architects of it. Let us, therefore, utilize this privilege to foster an environment where innovation, creativity, and collaboration thrive.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Aladeloba Adesina, the immediate past Chief Lecturer in the Department of Building Technology, who also served as the programme coordinator, explained that the initiative aimed to provide mentorship to young scholars on their academic journeys. He described the Colloquium as an avenue for seminars, conferences, issue-raising, and research. He noted that the panels had effectively addressed these topics.
Adesina stressed the importance of mentorship, citing past challenges and mistakes made during his own academic journey due to a lack of mentors. He expressed a commitment to preventing such experiences for the younger generation, highlighting that this was just the first edition. Future editions will encompass other categories, including non-PhD holders, Chief Lecturers, and emerging young lecturers.
Dr. Lauretta Ofodile, Chairman of the Organising Committee, explained in her address that the objective was to explore how individual growth, journeys, and mentorship create a positive ripple effect beyond the confines of the campus. She portrayed a mentor as a catalyst for transformation, someone who empowers, encourages, and imparts wisdom derived from personal experiences.
Ofodile emphasised that colleges and universities are not solely centres of academia but thriving ecosystems where minds are nurtured, ideas ignited, and futures moulded. She underscored that self-development is the foundation of success, contributing to both individual capabilities and the collective growth of the community.
Mentors, she concluded, serve as guiding beacons for those navigating the challenging waters of academia and personal growth, bridging generational gaps and fostering a seamless exchange of ideas and insights that benefit all involved.
During the event, Dr. Ifeoma Akeredolu addressed ‘building a culture of continuous learning,’ Dr. Sikiru Momodu discussed ‘overcoming barriers to staff engagement in self-development,’ and Dr. Morouf Adebakin presented ‘effective mentoring strategies for staff growth.’ Over 200 PhD holders from the College actively participated in the one-day Colloquium, with members of the college’s community serving as resource persons.
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) offers B.Sc (Ed) courses in Technical and Vocational education and Postgraduate Diplomas in Engineering. The two programmes are run in conjunction with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Federal University of Technology, Akure, respectively. YABATECH is one of the few polytechnics in Nigeria that awards a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc.) in some courses available in the institution. The school is also accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to give certificates for courses and programmes at the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels
