“Stop Collecting Contacts!” — Why Networking the Wrong Way Could Be Killing Your Future

The 2025 Public Administration Week started with something every student needs — a deep dive into strategic networking. On Saturday, May 31st, NAPAS hosted a virtual financial webinar themed “Networking for Success”, and let’s just say... if you missed it, you missed a lot!

The session, which held via Google Meet at 10AM, featured Damilola Kareem (ACA, CFA) as the guest speaker. From the moment he took the mic, it was game on. With real-life stories, hard truths, and career-building hacks, he broke down how building the right connections can literally shape your future — from internships to jobs, scholarships, and mentorships.

“Sometimes, who you know opens more doors than what you know — but only if you bring value to the table,” he said, striking a chord with everyone listening.

The session was moderated by Adu Ejiro Oyindamola, who kept the conversation flowing and relatable throughout. From talking about how to approach professionals online, to why your LinkedIn shouldn’t just sit idle, the session served major wisdom in bite-sized, practical nuggets.

Students were active in the chat, asking questions, reacting to quotes, and soaking up every bit of value shared. It wasn’t just another boring online session — it felt like a conversation we all needed to hear.

One major takeaway? Network with purpose. It’s not about collecting contacts. It’s about building bridges that actually lead somewhere.

With this as the opening event of the week, NAPAS has clearly set the tone: this year’s Public Administration Week isn’t just about vibes — it’s about value.

And if Saturday’s session is anything to go by, the department is raising a generation that’s not just book-smart, but connection-smart too.

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