Sahara Group has named the first recipients of its ‘Making A Difference (M.A.D) Grant’ at the University of Lagos.
The announcement came during UNILAG’s 55th Convocation Ceremony, where three distinguished academics were awarded annual grants of $12,000 each for their work in energy systems, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
The global energy conglomerate also recognised exceptional students across multiple disciplines including Economics, Architecture, Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, demonstrating its commitment to fostering academic excellence.
According to Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, the initiative aims to transform Africa’s energy landscape through innovative research and industry-academia collaboration.
โThe Sahara M.A.D grant celebrates the power of exploring ideas through research, and its potential to transform industries, create sustainable solutions, and drive Africaโs energy future. We are delighted to partner with the University of Lagos to inspire and support groundbreaking research capable of transforming access to reliable energy,โ said Obioma, Head. โWe believe that collaboration between industry and academia is essential to creating a hub for innovative solutions and supporting the brilliant minds who will shape the energy landscape of tomorrow,โ he added.
โขClockwise from left: Dr. Shittu, Dr. Sobamowo and Dr. Amah
Recipients of the Sahara M.A.D Grant include Dr. Gbeminiyi Sobamowo, Dr. Ayodele Ibrahim Shittu, and Dr. Peter Amah. Their work spans energy systems modelling, entrepreneurship and innovation economics, and financial investment literacyโcritical areas for advancing Africaโs energy and economic landscape. The grant includes a total of $36,000 annually ($12,000 per beneficiary), with well-established protocol for outcome-based management by UNILAG.
Globally, investments in sustainable energy research and innovation are increasing, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) reporting a 10% rise in clean energy R&D funding in 2023 alone. However, Africa accounts for less than 1% of global research output, which points to the urgent need to expand funding and opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries on the continent.
Commending Sahara Group for instituting the M.A.D Grant, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, said the collaboration with Sahara would set the foundation for enhancing research and scholarship. โThis grant will not only advance critical research but also provide invaluable opportunities for lecturers and students to engage with everyday challenges, with prospects for solutions that will impact energy access, while securing environmental sustainability,โ she said.
Dr. Sobamowo, an Associate Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is working in the field Energy Systems Modelling, Simulations and Design. His Hezer Research Group consisting of lecturers and students have developed various innovative energy solutions, many of which have already received uptake. Dr. Shittu, a Senior Lecturer working in the field of Development Economics with a focus on the Economics of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Dr. Amah, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Finance is the mentor to one of UNILAGโs flagship student-led initiatives, The Investment Society (TIS). To date, over 80 members of TIS have gone on to internship placement and employment at the Bank of America/Merill Lynch and Goldman Sachs.