Energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, has called on students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to take a more active role in shaping Africa’s energy future, saying the continent’s challenges require new thinking, entrepreneurship and a shift away from conventional approaches.

The call was made at the Energy Transition 360° (ET360) programme organised by UNILAG’s Energy Club. The event brought together industry executives, academics, policymakers and students to discuss energy access, sustainability and innovation on the continent.

During the programme, the organisation introduced its ‘Beyond XXX’ vision to students, which is aimed at encouraging future leaders to develop solutions around sustainable development, energy access and shared prosperity.

Speaking at the event, the firm’s Director of Governance and Sustainability, Ejiro Gray, said the trajectory of Africa’s energy sector will depend on how young people respond to existing gaps in infrastructure, affordability and reliability.

She said the company’s ‘Beyond XXX’ framework is built on the idea that each generation must expand opportunities for 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,” Gray said.

She noted that the group’s continued engagement with UNILAG, including investments in student-focused initiatives, is based on the view that education, innovation and entrepreneurship remain central to addressing development challenges.

Gray concluded that without deliberate investment in human capital, Africa risks importing solutions that do not fit its context. She said the company expects students to move from passive learning to active problem-solving.

Also speaking, the Head of Human Resources, Emilomo Arorote, told students that technical knowledge alone will not be sufficient in a world where technology is changing work and industry models.

He urged them to build adaptability, curiosity and leadership skills alongside academic performance.

“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 said.

He further advised students to consider entrepreneurship as a practical route to job creation and economic growth, arguing that innovation will be necessary to address unemployment and energy poverty across African countries.

Arorote said Sahara Group’s participation in ET360 forms part of its broader engagement with tertiary institutions to prepare students for the evolving energy and business environment.

He cited the Sahara School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and other learning platforms developed in partnership with UNILAG as examples of ongoing efforts to provide students with knowledge, practical skills and networks.

According to him, such collaborations are intended to equip young people to operate in a global environment that is increasingly defined by climate concerns, technological disruption and the need for new energy models.,

Speakers at the event also noted that Africa’s energy transition will require solutions that reflect local realities, including irregular power supply, limited grid coverage in rural areas, financing constraints, and the need to balance energy security with climate commitments.

The programme ended with a question-and-answer session where students raised concerns about access to funding for energy startups, internship opportunities in the sector, and the role of policy in enabling innovation.