ASR Africa Mentorship Program
The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) Mentorship Program was created to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields but has since expanded into a holistic platform that nurtures both personal and professional growth. Conceived by visionary women during the UN CSW 67 in New York and launched in partnership with ASR Africa, the program began at an all-female college in Gusau, Zamfara State. It provides young women, particularly final-year tertiary students, with mentorship opportunities designed to unlock their potential in career, entrepreneurship, and personal development.
Structured over a three-month period, the program engages 30 beneficiaries at a time through interactive sessions with mentors. Each session lasts three hours and includes breakout discussions where mentees ask questions and learn from the lived experiences of their mentors. Since May 2023, about 100 young women from Nigeria and Zambia have benefited from this initiative, with participants gaining skills, confidence, and clarity that extend well beyond the classroom. The program has also introduced technological innovations, such as live streaming, to ensure accessibility even in remote areas.
The impact has been remarkable, leading to improved self-awareness, public speaking, and overall empowerment of participants. Beyond personal growth, the program strengthens institutions and communities by fostering innovation and broadening opportunities for young women across Africa. From its beginnings in FCE(T) Gusau, the program has expanded to institutions such as Al-Qalam University, Babcock University, and the University of Zambia, with growing interest from others. Supported by organizations like Latiwa Development Foundation and B’Lead Her Academy, the ASR Africa Mentorship Program stands as a lasting catalyst for change, ensuring that while the mentorship itself lasts three months, its influence endures for a lifetime.
