Fully kitted in Petralon Energy-branded safety gear, their faces were a portrait of excitement and curiosity. As they made their way to the jetty, it was clear something remarkable was happening. For seven bright Nigerian undergraduates, this was more than just a field trip; it was a momentous step into the future of energy, one they would long remember.
Their destination: an oil rig operated by Petralon Energy at the Dawes Island Field in Rivers State. As part of the Petralon Energy Future Leaders Programme (PFLP), they were about to witness a live drilling operation, an experience that would transform their understanding of the oil and gas industry from textbook theory to real-world application.
“How are you guys feeling?” Ken Uzor, community relations and CSR Manager at Petralon Energy, asked, smiling as he observed the group. “We are fine, sir,” they responded in unison, their voices tinged with excitement and anticipation. They were about to see first-hand what few in their academic journeys ever get to experience.
How it started
The students, Gideon Odey, Michael Olaniran, David Hanson, Florence Omotayo Jacob, Olanrewaju Kaosarat Pelumi, Nwakaegho Emmanuel Onyekachukwu, and Hossana John James, were drawn from leading Nigerian universities, including the University of Port Harcourt, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, and the University of Uyo. All seven were among the ten scholars selected for the inaugural cohort of the Future Leaders Programme, launched in 2024 during Petralon Energy’s 10th anniversary.
Initially divided by school and background, the journey from the jetty to the rig broke down barriers. By the time they were seated on the houseboat, preparing for safety briefings, the students were bonded by shared purpose—a hunger for knowledge and a desire to shape the future of energy in Nigeria.
Beyond the Classroom: Rigside Learning
On the rig, the Petralon Energy team pulled no punches in giving the students a thorough orientation. Experts from every aspect of drilling, from health and safety to engineering and geology, engaged with the undergraduates. The students asked questions, soaked in insights, and marvelled at the precision and complexity of oil exploration.
The rig visit was more than symbolic; it was Petralon Energy’s living classroom. It emphasised the company’s belief that Nigeria’s energy future lies in developing homegrown talent, not just through scholarships but through immersive, high-value exposure.
Investing in Excellence
The PFLP is a merit-based initiative targeted at outstanding second-year students in Petroleum Engineering, Geology, and related disciplines. Selected based on academic brilliance, the ten awardees are not only given financial support, a living stipend, tuition fees, book allowance, and accommodation up to N1 million per academic session, but are also enrolled in a mentorship and capacity development programme that runs until their graduation.
“This is not just a scholarship,” said Ahonsi Unuigbe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Petralon Energy. “It’s a strategic investment in the human capital that will drive the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
He added, “Our goal is to equip these young talents with the tools, exposure, and support necessary to become global-standard professionals who will shape sustainable and responsible energy development in Africa.”
Mentorship for the Future
One of the programme’s most impactful components is its structured mentorship scheme. According to Uzor, each awardee is paired with a mentor, either a senior professional from Petralon Energy or an external expert in the oil and gas sector.
“These aren’t just mentorships on paper. Our mentors are industry leaders committed to grooming their mentees. They offer technical guidance, career advice, and leadership development,” Uzor explained.
For students like Florence Omotayo Jacob, a geology major from the University of Port Harcourt, the programme is already reshaping her ambitions. “Before now, I wanted to work in the industry. But now, I see myself leading a team, maybe even running a company like Petralon someday,” she said.
With flexible arrangements, both virtual and physical meetings, the mentorship scheme is built to be sustainable and impactful. It ensures consistent touchpoints throughout the students’ academic journey, strengthening their foundation for the future.
Petralon: An Indigenous Model of Excellence
Founded in 2014, Petralon Energy has emerged as a model of what indigenous oil and gas companies in Africa can achieve. With assets spanning swamp and deep-water fields, Petralon has expanded its operational footprint while maintaining high environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Its subsidiary, Petralon 54 Ltd, recently made headlines by successfully completing its second drilling campaign at the Dawes Island Field, further solidifying its reputation as a serious player in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector. Assigned Petroleum Prospecting License No. 259 (PPL 259) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the company is rapidly contributing to national crude output and supporting Nigeria’s OPEC commitments.
This latest operation at Dawes Island is more than just a business success; it’s an opportunity generator. By bringing students to the rig, Petralon is using its operational milestones as platforms for education and empowerment.
Economic Impact and Social Responsibility
Petralon’s commitment doesn’t end with profit margins or barrel counts. The company sees itself as an economic ambassador and social transformer.
“Every operation we undertake must create value, not just for our shareholders, but for host communities, regulators, academic institutions, and young Nigerians aspiring to enter the industry,” said Unuigbe.
The company’s CSR blueprint includes community engagement, local capacity building, and initiatives like the PFLP that contribute to national development goals. Petralon’s model could well be a template for others to emulate, where social investment and operational excellence are two sides of the same coin.
The Bigger Picture: A National Mandate
With the Federal Government’s “Project One Million Barrels Per Day” initiative gaining traction, companies like Petralon are at the centre of a national drive to ramp up production, attract investment, and create jobs. But unlike many operators focused solely on bottom-line metrics, Petralon is playing a long game, building capacity that will pay off for decades.
As Petralon 54 Ltd continues to explore new drilling opportunities and optimise existing ones, it is also sowing the seeds for Nigeria’s next generation of petroleum leaders. It’s a blend of vision and action that reflects the company’s deep-rooted belief in Nigerian potential.
Shaping the Energy Future, One Leader at a Time
What began as a boat ride to a rig in Rivers State may go down as a defining moment for the students involved. For them, the Future Leaders Programme is not just financial aid or a shiny addition to their CVs—it is the beginning of a journey towards excellence, leadership, and transformation.
Through PFLP, Petralon Energy is showing what it truly means to empower. It’s not just about finding oil—it’s about refining human potential, drilling deep into the well of Nigerian talent, and helping it rise to the surface.
And for these seven future engineers and geologists, their journey has only just begun.
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