… as initiative bridges aerospac practice, academic gap
As the demand for skilled aerospace engineers continues to grow, inspiring the next generation has never been more critical.
Annie Ojewunmi, an aerospace engineer and educator, is leading the charge, equipping students with the tools, mindset, and motivation they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
Ojewunmi, bearing in mind that without access to industry information and career mentorship, most students would choose the wrong careers in life, and that the current Nigeria’s academic curriculum does not fully prepare engineering students to be industry-ready in terms of career guidance and support; founded the Young Aerospace Professionals Initiative (YAPI) to bridge the gap.
“Through YAPI, I have provided STEM-focused mentorship to over 100 aspiring Nigerian aerospace professionals,” she said.
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In addition, she said, “The initiative offers career coaching, job placement assistance, and professional networking training. These have resulted in over 20 aerospace internships and graduate training with a 90 percent acceptance rate for mentees, knowledge-building and skills development webinars, and mentorship sessions to boost STEM career success and positively impact the local STEM workforce.”
In the last quarter of 2024, YAPI, in partnership with UNIVAST Space, successfully conducted a two-day outreach programme at Isale-Eko Senior Grammar School, Lagos Island, introducing secondary school students to aerospace, climate action, and sustainable development.
The outreach aimed to help these underserved secondary school students develop an interest in aerospace and climate change and pursue careers in these industries.
“The students engaged with real model aircraft components, assembled and tested a model airplane, and experienced a hands-on drone demonstration.
“The drone demonstration, which had over 200 students in attendance, was the highlight of the entire event. The students also learned the different parts of an airplane, their functions, and engaged directly with components such as wires, rotors, wings, and batteries,” Ojewunmi emphasised.
Sharing her experience on her scaled to her current career path, she said that to her disappointment, growing up in her career, she faced significant challenges in securing a graduate trainee position after graduation.
However, through dedication and consistency, she secured an opportunity that allowed her to make meaningful contributions to the growth of her organisation while gaining invaluable knowledge and technical skills in the aerospace and aviation industry in Nigeria.
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“Following the training, I was retained as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, working alongside Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Overcoming these challenges made me realise the importance of a structured career support system and personal zeal and dedication to be successful in the industry as a young professional.
Today, as a young aerospace and aviation professional, my goal is to contribute to current research and development in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) and Hydrogen Propulsion technologies. I also look forward to driving more positive change through YAPI in STEM education and workforce development, focusing on aerospace, for aspiring professionals coming behind,” she stressed.
According to the World Economic Forum report, “By 2030, Africa will house 42 percent of the global youth population, with 602 million aged 15–34.”
The programme offered over 120 students combined from Science, Arts, and Commercial classes, along with their teachers, in interactive and hands-on sessions on flight mechanics, spacecraft design, and model aircraft assembly.
This demographic could drive innovation, but without training, untapped potential may fuel unemployment and unrest.
Nigeria’s under-skilled youth need immediate upskilling to harness this “youth dividend” and power economic growth across the continent.
To ensure that Nigerian youth are job-ready in their chosen career, YAPI is also helping students with their admission trajectories.
In 2023, Ojewunmi helped a student secure admission for a mentee in Aircraft Maintenance at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, and this mentee is currently a first-class student and the course representative, according to her.
“These are among our many achievements proving that with the right opportunities and mentorship, Nigerian students excel in the aerospace and aviation industry,” she said.
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Moreover, she emphasised that YAPI is prepared to build partnerships with local and international aviation organisations, universities, and institutions to provide global opportunities, scholarships, internships, and exchange programmes to ensure that mentees are globally competitive.
“Through these partnerships, the programme will create structured pathways for students to transition seamlessly from school to employment,” she said.
In the next 10 years, she envisioned YAPI becoming a leading platform for mentorship, training, and advocacy in the aerospace and aviation industry in Nigeria and beyond.
The goal is to ensure that every aspiring aerospace professional, regardless of background, has access to mentorship, resources, and opportunities to succeed in the aviation industry.
