Mrs. Olajumoke Ajayi, NAPE President
…NAPE Academy to bridge gap between academic theory and practical industry experience
…The Academy is a solution to skills gap and a promise to young Nigerians.
-Felix Douglas
The Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationist (NAPE) had a Strategic Workshop for industry leaders on the proposed NAPE Academy.
It was like a clarion and Macedonian call to deliberate on the future of the oil and gas industry. Stakeholders and operators have been pondering on the future of the industry and replacement of those who have left or retired from it.
The International Oil Companies (IOCs) have done a lot for the industry and most of them have divested allowing the indigenous operators to take over asset. But there has been the question of how those assets will be managed since most of the indigenous operators are aging, where are the young ones to take over and continue for posterity?
Speaking at the event, NAPE President, Olajumoke Ajayi emphasised on the importance of investing in the future of Nigeria’s petroleum industry by training and mentoring young professionals.
She highlighted the success of NAPE over the last 50 years and called for the establishment of NAPE Academy to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industry experience.
According to Ajayi, the aims to provide young professionals with necessary skills and opportunities, ensuring the industry continued growth and competence.
The NAPE President urged industry stakeholders to support the academy as part of their annual investment in the future workforce.
She stated further on the significance of the event describing it as the beginning of a dream worth being part of for the future of industry.
Ajayi spoke on the abundant resources in Nigeria and the need to grow the economy of the country.
She noted that the greatest investment is in people as oil and gas fields are discovered by competent professionals.
The NAPE President shared her personal story about an internship that changed her life and emphasized the impact of mentorship and practical experience.
She called for opportunities for young Nigerians to gain experience to become competent professionals describing the challenges faced by these young graduates in gaining practical experience and finding jobs.
There is need to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace to assist young professionals.
The NAPE Academy is a solution to the skills gap and a promise to young Nigerians.
It is a platform to connect students and mentors, providing practical experience and preparing graduates for workplace.
There is need to transfer knowledge from experienced professionals to the next generation.
Ajayi called for commitment to invest in NAPE Academy to prepare the future workplace and ensure the sustainability of the industry. She appealed for deliberate investment in young professionals to ensure the future success of the industry.
The NAPE President pointed out the impact of past investments in training and mentoring which led to the growth of indigenous companies and transformation of the industry.
She also called for the current generation to continue the legacy by investing in NAPE Academy and preparing the next generations of professionals.
The event brought together stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and they all expressed their willingness to support the project.
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