Financial Energy Review
Accugas Limited, the midstream subsidiary of Savannah Energy PLC, has granted full university education scholarships to the second cohort of 50 students from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. This initiative was celebrated at a ceremony held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, marking a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and socio-economic development in the region.
The scholarship package, designed to ease the financial burden of higher education, covers each beneficiary’s school fees, accommodation costs, study materials, and living expenses for their entire tertiary education. The scholarship is open to students pursuing degrees at both public and private universities.
Additionally, the students will receive specialized leadership and peak performance training throughout their studies. This program is designed to better equip them for life beyond university, enhancing their professional skills and preparing them for success in the workplace. Upon graduation, all scholarship beneficiaries will also be given the opportunity to complete an internship with Savannah Energy, where they will gain valuable hands-on experience in a world-class corporate environment.
The Savannah Energy Education and Internship Training (SEE-IT) programme was launched in 2023 with the aim of increasing access to quality education in the two southern Nigerian states. The initiative is particularly focused on supporting bright but financially disadvantaged students, allowing them to pursue their university education regardless of their chosen field of study. Through this scholarship, Savannah Energy aims to contribute to the social and economic development of Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking at the scholarship award ceremony, Pade Durotoye, Managing Director of Savannah Energy, Nigeria, expressed pride in the program’s progress. “The SEE-IT programme is something that brings us great delight,” Durotoye said. “We are very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve in the last two years. The programme benefits the education and economy of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole. We believe very strongly in the power of people. Education is what unlocks our potential. We believe that there are many talented and capable people whose circumstances have made it difficult for them to achieve their full potential. By making education accessible to them, we are transforming not just the lives of the individuals but the entire economy.”
The SEE-IT programme also continues to expand its impact beyond university scholarships. Last year, the initiative was extended to include the establishment of Environmental Awareness Clubs in 20 public secondary schools across Akwa Ibom State. The clubs aim to inspire students in their career choices while raising awareness about sustainable environmental practices. Activities culminated in a quiz competition in August, with the top five winners receiving cash prizes and automatic scholarships for the next academic year.
His Excellency, Umo Bassey Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, was in attendance at the ceremony and commended Savannah Energy’s efforts to support the community. “Let me specially commend Savannah Energy through Accugas Limited for not only doing business in Akwa Ibom State but also giving back in a way that truly matters through education. The SEE-IT Scholarship Programme is a laudable initiative that will change lives,” Governor Eno remarked. “This is Corporate Social Responsibility at its best. I deeply appreciate Savannah for its commitment to sponsoring 50 students from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, offering internships, and establishing environmental awareness clubs in schools. I urge other corporate bodies and organizations in the state to emulate this noble gesture and invest in the future of our children.”
The SEE-IT programme is aligned with Savannah Energy’s broader sustainability strategy, particularly its focus on promoting socio-economic prosperity in the company’s host countries. Nkoyo Etuk, Head of Stakeholder Relations and Regional Manager for South East Nigeria at Savannah Energy, highlighted the alignment of the scholarship initiative with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. “Education is an important part of Savannah’s sustainability strategy. The SEE-IT programme is a practical example of how we are contributing to the development of our host communities in Nigeria,” Etuk said.
She further explained the rigorous process by which the scholarship recipients were selected. “The 50 scholarship beneficiaries were selected from 1,481 applications received from recently admitted students from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. The selection process was thorough and merit-based, with applicants undergoing a computer-based test and interviews led by university professors,” Etuk said. “We are delighted to be awarding these scholarships to the next generation of students, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on their communities and beyond.”
The SEE-IT programme’s success and its impact on the lives of students from Akwa Ibom and Cross River States have made it a flagship initiative for Savannah Energy, further solidifying the company’s role as a catalyst for development in Nigeria.
For the students, this scholarship offers a lifeline—a chance to achieve their academic dreams without the overwhelming financial strain. Many of the scholarship recipients expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. “This scholarship has changed my life,” said one of the beneficiaries, a first-year engineering student from Akwa Ibom. “I never thought I could go to university, but now I can focus on my studies without worrying about fees or living expenses.”
Savannah Energy’s SEE-IT programme is now poised to continue its expansion, with the company’s leadership reaffirming its long-term commitment to education and the socio-economic upliftment of the communities it serves.
