Savannah Energy's Education and Internship Training Programme Empowers Nigeria's Future Leaders

Strategic Insights -

The socio-economic development of any society largely depends on the strength of its informed population or human capital; hence, education plays a pivotal role in shaping individual well-being and the collective transformation of people across generations. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), while more than 86 percent of the world's population is literate, at least 750 million adults are not, and 250 million children lack basic literacy skills. This gap is particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa, where the literacy rate is significantly lower than in developed countries. In Nigeria, the literacy rate stands at 59.6 percent, as reported by Vetiv Africa in 2024.

The low literacy rate in Nigeria has been attributed to widespread poverty, inadequate access to quality education, and insufficient government funding. To bridge this gap, there have been growing calls for private organisations to complement government efforts by prioritising education in their Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR') initiatives. One organisation answering this call is Savannah Energy, which has launched the Savannah Energy Education and Internship Training (SEE-IT) programme to provide full university scholarships for talented but underprivileged students from its host communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

Key Takeaways:

  • Savannah Energy's SEE-IT programme has awarded 100 full university scholarships to talented but underprivileged students from its host communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States since its inception in 2023.
  • The scholarship package covers tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses throughout the duration of their tertiary education, whether at public or private institutions.
  • Beyond financial support, beneficiaries of the SEE-IT programme also receive leadership and personal development training from renowned consultants, equipping them for academic success and life after university.
  • Upon graduation, all beneficiaries will also be offered an opportunity for an internship at Savannah, where they will gain hands-on experience in a world-class environment.
  • The SEE-IT programme supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which advocates equitable access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
  • The programme has attracted praise from both government officials and beneficiaries, with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State commending Savannah and Accugas Limited for investing in education through their SEE-IT programme.
  • Pade Durotoye, Managing Director, Savannah Energy, Nigeria, stated that education is a key pillar of the company's sustainability strategy, focused on promoting socio-economic development in its host countries across Africa.
  • The selection process for the SEE-IT programme involves a competitive screening process, including a computer-based test and panel interview led by university professors.

Statistics:

  • The literacy rate in Nigeria stands at 59.6 percent, as reported by Vetiv Africa in 2024.
  • Over 750 million adults worldwide are not literate, and 250 million children lack basic literacy skills, according to a 2024 report by UNESCO.
  • The literacy rate in sub-Saharan Africa is significantly lower than in developed countries, with Nigeria having a particularly low rate.
  • The SEE-IT programme has awarded 100 full university scholarships to talented but underprivileged students since its inception in 2023.
  • 50 students are pursuing their education under the SEE-IT programme in the 2024 cohort.
  • The SEE-IT programme has selected students from a pool of 1,481 applications submitted by newly admitted students of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States origin.
  • The SEE-IT programme covers tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses for scholars throughout their tertiary education.

Sources:

  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - 2024 report
  • Vetiv Africa - 2024 report
  • Savannah Energy - SEE-IT programme information
  • Accugas Limited - SEE-IT programme information
  • Akwa Ibom State Government - A.R.I.S.E. Agenda
  • Savannah Energy, Nigeria - Sustainability strategy information
  • University of Uyo - Law degree course information
  • University of Uyo - Medical degree course information
  • Interview with Pade Durotoye, Managing Director, Savannah Energy, Nigeria
  • Interview with Nkoyo Etuk, Head of Stakeholder Relations and Regional Manager, South East, Savannah, Nigeria
  • Report by The World Economic Forum on global literacy rates
  • Report by Vetiv Africa on literacy rates in African countries
  • Vetiv Africa - Data analysis firm (2024)