Savannah Energy Nigeria Awards Full University Scholarships to 50 Students
Savannah Energy Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to education and human capital development by awarding full university scholarships to 50 students from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. This initiative, launched in 2023, aims to provide comprehensive support covering tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and living expenses for the beneficiaries throughout their degree programs.
Commitment to Education and Talent Development
Speaking at the award ceremony in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Savannah Energy Nigeria’s Managing Director, Pade Durotoye, emphasized the company’s mission beyond energy provision.
“We are determined to drive energy availability for Nigeria while investing in people. We believe there are brilliant minds who have been deprived of opportunities, and we are committed to changing that,” Durotoye said.
The scholarship recipients are pursuing a variety of disciplines, including medicine and surgery (18 students), medical laboratory science, dental surgery, nursing, human nutrition, genetics, biotechnology, computer science, engineering, law, economics, and finance. Most of the beneficiaries are enrolled at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State.
Transparent Selection Process
Nkoyo Etuk, Head of Stakeholder Relations and Regional Manager (South East) at Savannah Energy, highlighted the rigorous and merit-based selection process.
“We received 1,481 applications from newly admitted students of Akwa Ibom and Cross River origin. The final 50 recipients were selected through a rigorous screening process, which included a computer-based test and interviews conducted by university professors,” she explained.
Beyond financial support, scholarship recipients also benefit from leadership and peak performance training, equipping them for academic and professional success.
Expansion of the SEE-IT Program
Savannah Energy has further expanded its SEE-IT (Savannah Energy Education and Internship Training) program by launching the Environmental Awareness Club in 20 public secondary schools across Akwa Ibom State. This initiative includes career days, tree planting, and awareness campaigns on environmental protection, gas and oil pipeline safety, climate change, and the Akwa Ibom State Government’s “ARISE Agenda.”
As part of this initiative, the company awarded cash prizes to seven secondary school students who excelled in the Environmental Awareness Club quiz. The top five students secured automatic eligibility for the next round of undergraduate scholarships.
“Education is a key pillar of Savannah’s sustainability strategy, aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education. Through programs like SEE-IT, we are fostering socio-economic growth in our host communities,” Etuk added.
Recognition and Appreciation
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, represented by former Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, commended Savannah Energy for its dedication to educational development.
Similarly, University of Uyo Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Anthonia Essien, expressed deep appreciation to the company.
“UNIUYO is very grateful to Savannah Energy. This scholarship lifts a heavy burden off these students and ensures their education continues uninterrupted,” Ndaeyo remarked.
Driving Sustainable Development
Through its continued investment in education and human capital, Savannah Energy is not only shaping the future of young Nigerians but also fostering sustainable development in its host communities. By ensuring access to quality education, the company is making a lasting impact on the socio-economic landscape of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
