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UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme

  • Writer: Mary Taiwo Ajide
    Mary Taiwo Ajide
  • Oct 7
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 30

Newsletter | Launch of the Second Cycle

📅 Date: 25th September 2025

📍 Location: Gerard Manley Hopkins Building, University College Dublin



A New Chapter Begins: The Second Cycle Launch


On the 25th of September 2025, the second cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme was officially launched—building upon the strong foundation laid in the previous year. With heartfelt support from UCD Global Engagement, UCD Alumni, and the African Scholars Association Ireland (AfSAI), this year’s launch was further enriched by the involvement of the African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI), whose partnership affirms the growing impact and reach of the programme.


The initiative, aimed at connecting African postgraduate students with alumni mentors, continues to foster a culture of shared learning, mutual growth, and professional development. It was a joy to welcome back our 2024/2025 mentors—dedicated individuals whose generosity continues to shape the journeys of emerging scholars.



Event Highlights


Held in the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building, the event opened with a lively registration and networking session, setting a warm and collaborative tone.


  • Opening Remarks were delivered by Dr Diret Dikwal-Bot, followed by a welcome from Mike Talbot, UCD’s Director of Global Engagement Strategy.

  • An interactive icebreaker session was led by Dr Mary Ajide and Catherine McMahon (UCD Senior Alumni Relations Manager), who also presented an overview of the programme.

  • A practical and insightful session on “Preparing for the Irish Workplace” was presented by Edima Inyang, President of the African Professional Network of Ireland.

  • Testimonials from both mentors and mentees offered powerful reflections on the programme’s real-world impact from both perspectives.



Celebrating Our Mentors


A key highlight of the day was the recognition of our 2024/2025 mentors. Certificates and souvenir gifts were presented in appreciation of their continued service and generosity. These tokens symbolise the programme’s gratitude for their role in fostering meaningful student-alumni connections.


A vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Sam Ogwu (AfSAI VP for Community Engagement and Liaison), and Dr Dikwal-Bot closed with details about the next steps for programme participants.


The event wrapped up with group photographs, a delicious spread of African cuisine catered by Mama Shee, and informal networking conversations that extended well into the evening.


Impact at a Glance


  • 80+ in-person attendees, with an additional 25 joining online

  • 140+ mentor-mentee matches actively confirmed

  • Presence of two distinguished ambassadors:

    • Ambassador Judah Muoh (Nigeria to Ireland)

    • Ambassador Rashid Sesay (Sierra Leone to the UAE, India & Bangladesh)

      Both expressed admiration for the programme’s purpose and praised UCD for its leadership in supporting African postgraduate success.


Moving Forward


Looking back at the first launch event, we are reminded of the programme’s guiding ethos, drawn from the spirit of Ubuntu:


“I am because you are.”


This philosophy remains at the heart of our mentoring initiative—a testament to the belief that connection is the cornerstone of transformation.


With growing support, positive feedback, and deepening impact, we look ahead to another cycle filled with growth, discovery, and community.


To everyone who made this launch a success: Thank you.


📸 The photographs below capture the joy, collaboration, and purpose that defined this special occasion.


Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, organisers, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, organisers, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, organisers, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, organisers, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Organisers of the second cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building. Left to Right: Mariam Salisu, Dr Diret Dikwal-Bot, Dr Mary Ajide, Catherine McMahon, and Grace O'Donnell
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Organisers of the second cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building. Left to Right: Mariam Salisu, Dr Diret Dikwal-Bot, Dr Mary Ajide, Catherine McMahon, and Grace O'Donnell
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Speakers on the podium at the second cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building. Left-to-Right: Mike Talbot, Dr Diret Dikwal-Bot, and Dr Mary Ajide
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Speakers on the podium at the second cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building. Left-to-Right: Mike Talbot, Dr Diret Dikwal-Bot, and Dr Mary Ajide
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Speakers on the podium at the second cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building. Left-to-Right: Dr Sam Ogwu, Catherine McMahon, Edima Inyang and Haula Galadima (2024/2025 mentee)
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Speakers on the podium at the second cycle of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building. Left-to-Right: Dr Sam Ogwu, Catherine McMahon, Edima Inyang and Haula Galadima (2024/2025 mentee)
Image credit: Mary Taiwo Ajide & Daniel Edunjobi. Description: Banner stands and in-person participants of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme inside the lecture hall at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Mary Taiwo Ajide & Daniel Edunjobi. Description: Banner stands and in-person participants of the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme inside the lecture hall at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: 2024/2025 mentors receiving certificates from Catherine McMahon (Senior Alumni Manager) in recognition of their generous contribution to the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme, at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: 2024/2025 mentors receiving certificates from Catherine McMahon (Senior Alumni Manager) in recognition of their generous contribution to the UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme, at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.

Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Image credit: Matthew Rose-Nel. Description: Some participants, mentors, and mentees at the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building.
Description: Mentor and Mentee Handbook for the 2025/2026 UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme
Description: Mentor and Mentee Handbook for the 2025/2026 UCD Bridging Generations African Mentoring Programme
Description: Flyer used for the social media promotion campaign
Description: Flyer used for the social media promotion campaign




 
 
 

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