Mentorship Information Session

Across Africa, millions of young graduates face a challenging reality: despite earning degrees, they struggle to find employment. In Nigeria alone, over 600,000 graduates enter the job market each year, yet more than 30% remain unemployed. Employers often report a disconnect between what is taught in schools and the skills needed in today’s workforce. Rebuild Edu-Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between school and the workplace. Our organisation provides mentorship, skill development, training, and career opportunities to African youth. We work to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable educational system that empowers young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed academically and beyond.

REF-Mentorship connects experienced professionals with high school, undergraduate, and graduate-level mentees across Africa to provide 1:1 career and academic guidance over a 12-month period. Mentorship is a collaborative journey that requires initiative, openness, and commitment, therefore, mentees are expected to actively participate and are responsible for their own growth.

About the REF Mentorship Program

We connect each of our students to a dedicated mentor to guide them through the final lap of high school, their university studies, and in their post-graduation job search and career journey. Together with our diverse community of mentors, students, partners, and supporters, we are expanding opportunities for the next generation of leaders in Africa to succeed. Our mentorship program provides personalized guidance from experienced professionals to help students navigate education, career choices, and personal growth.

Vision: Bridge the gap between school and workplace

Programme Duration: 12 months

Mentorship Format: 1:1 mentoring (with some group activities)

Delivery Mode: In-person (Beginner), Hybrid (Intermediate), Virtual (Advanced)

Programme Goal: To provide personalised academic, career, and personal development support that improves mentee readiness for education, internships, and early-career opportunities.

Mentorship is a collaborative journey that requires initiative, openness, and commitment, therefore, mentees are expected to actively participate and are responsible for their own growth.

Mentorship Models and Levels

Beginner Level (High School – In-person): Focus on confidence-building, career awareness, study skills, and basic digital literacy.

Intermediate Level (Undergraduate – Hybrid): Focus on academic skills, career exploration, CV development, and goal-setting.

Advanced Level (Graduate – Virtual): Focus on research skills, leadership development, publishing, work–life balance, and professional transition.

Mentee Responsibilities

Mentees are expected to:

• Commit to the full 12-month programme.
• Attend scheduled sessions puntually and prepared.
• Take ownership of goal setting, learning, and progress tracking.
• Communicate openly, respectfully, and honestly.

To learn more about the REF-Mentorship Program structure, check our Handbook here.

Apply to the REF-Mentorship Program 2026

Register to the REF-Mentorship information session