The importance of mentorship, the necessity of sacrifice, and the cultivation of a mentorship culture were the key themes of a presentation delivered by Professor Evans Osabuohien, Founding Chair of the DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC). He spoke at the inaugural edition of a monthly webinar series organised by the Nigeria Economic Society (NES) in collaboration with the Association of Graduate Economics Students (AGES).
Speaking on the theme “Follow Me and I Will Make You: Understanding the Role of Mentorship in Career and Professional Success”, Professor Osabuohien urged young professionals to embrace short-term challenges for long-term rewards. He likened the mentorship process to nature’s principle of seedtime and harvest, emphasising that dedication and perseverance are critical for growth.
He advised participants to approach mentorship with a contributory mindset, rather than focusing solely on what they could gain. “As young professionals, it is essential to manage your time effectively, seize opportunities, and avoid shutting doors that could lead to future success,” he stated.
Addressing common concerns, Professor Osabuohien dispelled fears that mentorship equates to being burdened with endless tasks. Instead, he encouraged mentees to embrace assignments from their mentors, as these tasks are crucial for skill acquisition and professional development. He also underscored the importance of self-discipline in avoiding professional pitfalls and urged participants to consistently strive for excellence in their endeavours. Furthermore, he emphasised the need for mentees to exit mentorship relationships amicably, ensuring that professional bridges remain intact. “When the time comes, walk away amicably—don’t burn the bridge,” he advised.
Professor Osabuohien, who has established a robust platform for training both young and experienced professionals, highlighted that mentorship can significantly influence career trajectories. However, he noted that for mentorship to be truly effective, it must be built on honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. He likened the mentor-mentee relationship to a co-piloted journey, where the mentee takes the lead while the mentor provides guidance.
Referencing his African Scholarship Mentorship Network (ASMN), he reiterated that mentorship fosters skill development, career advancement, expanded professional networks, and increased self-confidence. However, he acknowledged the challenges that often arise, including mismatched expectations, poor time management, communication breakdowns, and the balance between dependence and independence. He recommended addressing these issues through clear communication, time prioritisation, active listening, and periodic self-assessment.
He further advised mentees to begin their mentorship journey with a thorough self-evaluation, identifying their strengths, weaknesses, and career goals before selecting a mentor who aligns with their aspirations with some level of commitment cum accessibility.
The inaugural webinar served as a strategic initiative to equip recent graduates in Economics with specialised knowledge, easing their transition from academia to the professional world. With mentorship as a cornerstone, the session provided valuable insights into navigating career growth and maximising opportunities in the evolving economic landscape.
