End Digital Poverty: Sekinat Saka’s Volunteer Story – A Journey of Determination, Support, and Giving Back

When people talk about building a career in engineering, they often describe the influence of mentors, the value of education, or the importance of professional networks. But for many—especially those navigating new countries, raising families, or overcoming financial barriers—the real story is one of resilience. Few journeys illustrate this better than that of Sekinat “Seki” Saka.

Today, Seki is known for her impact as a Professional Development Scheme Accreditation Assessor, Registration Assessor, mentor, and active member of the Professional Development Operations Committee. But her path into engineering, and into volunteering, began decades earlier on the other side of the world.

A First Encounter That Sparked a Lifelong Connection

Seki’s engineering story began in 1994, during her first year studying electrical and electronic engineering in Nigeria. At the time, the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) sent representatives to polytechnics across the country to inspire young engineers. One of those representatives delivered a talk at her college—an event that would shape her entire career.

That presentation opened her eyes to a future she hadn’t fully imagined. It showed her that engineering could be global, collaborative, and transformative. She left that session motivated, encouraged, and determined to build a professional identity that would travel with her wherever life led.

From that moment, she made full use of every resource available to her—journals, events, discussions, and opportunities to understand different branches of engineering. This desire to learn would later become the same mindset that made her a strong volunteer and mentor.

Moving to the UK and Facing New Challenges

Years later, when she relocated to the UK to continue her studies, the IET remained the obvious organisation to stay connected with. But life was not straightforward. After completing her BSc, Seki found it difficult to secure employment. That period of uncertainty pushed her to pursue a Master’s degree, hoping that further study would widen her career options.

At the same time, she was raising two young children—a challenge even before you add academic deadlines, financial pressures, and the lack of stable employment. The turning point came when she received an IET bursary.

With that financial support, she purchased a high-quality laptop—something many students take for granted but which, for Seki, changed everything. It meant she could work from home, manage assignments around childcare, and study effectively without travelling back and forth to campus facilities.

“It allowed me to cope,” she recalls. “I could be a present mother and a committed student at the same time.”

She graduated with a strong grade, not because things were easy, but because the right support appeared at the right time. That experience stayed with her. It would later become one of the reasons she felt compelled to give back.

Why Volunteering Became Her Way of Giving Back

Seki describes the IET as a constant presence throughout her personal and professional journey—from Nigeria to the UK, from student to engineer. Volunteering became her way of passing that support forward.

Through roles such as PDP Accreditation Assessor, Registration Assessor, and mentor, she found herself able to help others build the confidence and clarity she once needed. In reviewing professional development schemes, evaluating registration applications, and supporting engineers in the UK, India, and beyond, she developed a deeper appreciation for what strong development pathways can achieve.

Her role in these areas also strengthened her own expertise. Volunteering pushed her to think more critically about engineering standards, helped her provide structured guidance to colleagues, and deepened her understanding of how professional progression is evaluated.

This mirrors what many learners experience at Elec Training when they gain insight into the career pathways for new and experienced electricians (https://elec.training/news/how-to-register-as-an-electrician-or-as-an-electrical-business/) and begin to understand how structured development opens professional doors.

Moments That Made a Lasting Impact

Among her many volunteering experiences, one day stands out vividly for Seki—when she served on an accreditation panel for Shell’s graduate scheme.

Three developing engineers from Shell Nigeria presented their work to the panel. Their knowledge, confidence, and technical ability were so impressive that the assessors—Seki included—recommended they apply for Chartered Engineer registration.

“The satisfaction on their faces was unforgettable,” she recalls. For those graduates, the moment represented global recognition. Their achievements were not confined to local expectations—they were now candidates for the highest professional standard in engineering.

It reminded Seki of her own early days, when someone else saw potential in her before she fully saw it in herself. Experiences like this reinforced why she continues to give her time: because a single piece of validation, the right feedback, or one opportunity at the right moment can reshape a career.

A Career Built on Range, Resilience, and Responsibility

Seki’s professional career has been anything but narrow. She has worked in telecommunications, highway construction, and—more recently—building and places design. Whether supporting public or private sector projects, she has used her engineering background to solve real-world problems while mentoring others through theirs.

Her story reflects something we see regularly among learners who come through Elec Training. The industry is changing quickly; career paths are becoming more varied, and engineers are expected to understand both the technical and human aspects of their work. Articles such as our guide to the practical skills needed in modern electrical work (https://elec.training/news/the-importance-of-identifying-electrical-hazards-at-home-and-the-training-routes-that-teach-you-how/) show just how much breadth today’s professionals require.

Championing the Fight Against Digital Poverty

Digital poverty is an issue close to Seki’s heart—because she has lived it.

She knows the difference that access to technology makes. The bursary she received wasn’t just money—it was access to opportunity. It enabled her to complete her degree without compromising family life. And that, she says, is why fighting digital poverty matters.

“Access to technology and information is a game-changer,” she explains. “Knowledge and connection can help overcome many barriers, and the right support can transform a career.”

She encourages people to make the most of professional networks, online learning, and community resources—much like how engineers use Elec Training’s guidance on electrical training opportunities (https://elec.training/news/courses-for-qualified-electricians/) to progress, upskill, or pivot into new areas of the industry.

A Story of Transformation Through Support and Service

Today, Seki mentors early-career engineers, supports graduates in Nigeria and the UK, reviews professional development submissions, and contributes to national engineering standards. She has found a meaningful way to combine professional expertise with personal empathy.

Volunteering didn’t just allow her to help others—it strengthened her own leadership, confidence, and sense of purpose. Her journey shows how engineering is never just technical; it’s human, collaborative, and deeply shaped by community. Her story also mirrors a truth familiar to many Elec Training learners: the right support system—whether a mentor, a bursary, structured training, or timely encouragement—can be the difference between uncertainty and momentum.