UNILAG students challenged to shape Africa’s energy future

… as Sahara Group holds Energy Transition 360° (ET360) programme

 

Students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been challenged to look beyond conventional solutions and become active contributors to Africa’s energy future.

The charge came during Sahara Group’s Energy Transition 360° (ET360) programme, tagged ‘Beyond XXX vision’, designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the continent’s energy future.

Ejiro Gray, director of governance and sustainability at Sahara Group, and Emilomo Arorote, the group human resource head at Sahara Group, who represented the firm at the event, shared insights on sustainable development, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and the critical role of young people in advancing Africa’s energy transition.

Gray said the future of Africa’s energy sector would depend largely on the willingness of young people to innovate and create solutions that address the continent’s unique challenges.

“Beyond XXX is rooted in the belief that every generation has a responsibility to expand the possibilities available to the next. Africa’s energy future will be shaped by bold thinkers, innovative problem-solvers and purpose-driven leaders.

“The continent needs young people who are willing to develop solutions that improve energy access, promote sustainability and create shared prosperity,” he said.

He emphasised that Sahara’s longstanding partnership with the University of Lagos and the energy conglomerate’s continued investment in initiatives designed to equip students reflect the group’s conviction that education, innovation and entrepreneurship are critical drivers of sustainable development.

Arorote encouraged participants to embrace a growth mindset and develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven world.

“The future belongs to individuals who can continuously learn, adapt and create value. Beyond academic excellence, young people must cultivate the resilience, curiosity and leadership capabilities required to drive meaningful change.

“Africa’s greatest opportunity lies in the ability of its young people to transform challenges into sustainable solutions.”

Arorote urged students to view entrepreneurship and innovation as powerful tools for unlocking opportunities, creating jobs and contributing to long-term economic growth across the continent.

Sahara Group introduced students to its Beyond XXX vision during the Energy Transition 360° (ET360) programme, challenging the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and sustainability champions to look beyond conventional solutions and become active contributors to Africa’s energy future.

The event hosted by the UNILAG Energy Club, ET360 brought together industry leaders, academics, policymakers and students for conversations on the future of energy, sustainability and innovation.

Through engaging discussions led by Sahara executives, participants were introduced to the philosophy behind Beyond XXX – a mindset that that encourages individuals and institutions to see every achievement as a platform for creating greater impact and shaping a more sustainable future.

The engagement formed part of Sahara’s commitment to extending the impact of its 30-year journey by inspiring future leaders to create solutions that drive sustainable development, energy access and shared prosperity.

Sahara Group’s participation in ET360 aligns with its broader commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders through strategic collaborations with educational institutions.

Through initiatives such as the Sahara School of Innovation and Extrapreneurship, entrepreneurship-focused programmes and other learning platforms developed with the University of Lagos, Sahara continues to empower young people with the knowledge, skills and networks required to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.