Etisalat Nigeria Empowers students Career Counselling Programme

Head, Learning and Development, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Chike Otubelu; Senior Project Officer, Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (L.E.A.R.N), Mrs. Tonne Saheed; Student, Keke Senior Secondary School and First place winner of the debate competition, Umoh Glory; and Director, Education District 1, Lagos state, Reverend (Mrs) Doyin Oyelowo during the 10th Etisalat Career Counseling programme held at Treasure Hall-M, Iyana Ipaja on Thursday, March 27th  

Nigeria’s fastest growing and most innovative telecommunications company Etisalat has further demonstrated its commitment to the development of the Nigerian student with the hosting of a Career Counselling programme for students of nine secondary schools drawn from different parts of Lagos.

The event which was aimed at educating the students on the basics of how to choose a career was organised in conjunction with Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN), an NGO founded by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola.

Speaking on the initiative, Head, Learning and Development, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Chike Otubelu, disclosed that the initiative was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to the development of the society, adding that it enables Etisalat staff to live up to one of the company’s core values.

“We are aware that our success is a product of the society in which we live and do business in, that is why we are committed to contributing to development at all levels of society.  At the Career Counselling programme, our staff volunteer time and employ skills to provide career counselling and mentorship to those with the most critical need for such guidance - students of secondary schools. We are aware that students need appropriate direction towards making compatible and fulfilling career choices, because a wrong career move may have some negative long-term effects.” He said.

Schools that participated in the career counselling session included Principals, Vice Principals, teaching staff and Students drawn from Dairy Farm Senior Secondary School, Agege; Sango Senior Secondary School, Agege; Yewa Junior High School, Agege; Keke Senior High School, Agege and Stadium Junior Grammar School, Agege, among others.

Speaking further, Otubelu added that: “The career counselling programme is a value addition to our Adopt-A-School Initiative, in partnership with the Lagos State Government. It is an on-going project, and this is the tenth Etisalat career counselling session so far in Lagos state. Besides, it is a platform through which Etisalat staff members practicalise our internal Corporate Social Responsibility values.” He stated.

Also speaking at the event, Senior Project Officer, Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network, Mrs. Tonne Saheed thanked Etisalat for investing in the education of the Nigerian youth adding that the initiative was both timely and progressive. She also noted that the knowledge that was imparted on the students will impact positively on them when they want to choose a career in the future.

“Building a career is as complex as building a house. As such, these students need to be educated and counselled on how to go about making positive life career choices for their future. This partnership with Etisalat Nigeria is coming at a time when Nigerian teenagers need to see that there is hope for a brighter future. I thank Etisalat Nigeria for this laudable initiative. I am particularly glad that they relate with their host communities as well as the general public through initiatives like this. Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network (LEARN) is glad to be associated with such an innovative initiative.” she said.

Other education empowerment programmes conducted by Etisalat Nigeria include the Etisalat Telecommunications Engineering Program, in partnership with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Plymouth University UK, and the Etisalat Academy, UAE;  permanent adoption of primary schools and a secondary school; scholarships to meritorious undergraduates of various Nigerian universities, through the Etisalat Merit Awards Scheme; and a Teacher Training Programme on English language in different geographic regions of Nigeria.