MTU Holds Students' Training Seminar

The Directorate of Apprenticeship and Community Relations (DACR), Mountain Top University held its 3rd Students Training Seminar at the Multipurpose Hall of the university on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. During the seminar, the Acting Director, Dr. Olanipekun J. Ojo, disclosed that it was the Directorate’s first stu dent seminar in the year 2022.

Speaking during seminar titled “Apprenticeship and Mentorship: Key Drivers of Success”, Dr. Ojo stated that the Directorate was instituted with a du al mandate of Apprenticeship and Community Re lations. Dr. Ojo, in his welcome address, stated “The train ing seminar is necessary to empower students with skills needed for making an impact in the labour market.” “If you maximise the skills being imparted in you, you will flourish globally”, said Dr. Ojo. He noted the following relevance to the theme: To expose you to a skilled expert; and To expose you to a mentor and as you a mentee.

The Guest Speaker of the day was the Creative Director, Dexy Creation, Lagos, Mrs. Adaeze Onu. She spoke on the theme of the day - Apprentice ship and Mentorship: Key Drivers of Success.

In her address, Mrs. Onu said “Apprenticeship has been an age-long practice, and has been in our cul ture”. She remarked that mentors support, advise, and guide their mentees.

She noted three (3) ways of having a mentor:

• A mentor is assigned to you;

• A mentor chooses you; and

• You choose your mentor. According to her, “You need to submit to mentoring, to be a mentor to others”.

Mrs. Onu also disclosed the following traits of a good mentor:

• Good Listener

• Flexible

• Knowledgeable

She further stated that the “A.C.T Principles” are necessary key drivers of success in Apprenticeship and Mentorship.

• A - Ask for a Mentor/Master;

• C - Closely follow; and

• T - Take Action.

At the end of the seminar, the students lined for a one on-one interactions and counselling sessions with the guest speaker. Both the guest speaker and the topic of the seminar brought so much joy and excitement to the students. The session was beautifully moderated by Dr Mrs Chinyere Mbaka, Deputy Director, DACR, MTU.