Renaissance Launches Comprehensive Sabbatical Program for University Professors and Researchers
By Sola Akingboye, 10 April 2025
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has welcomed 14 professors and 23 research students from various Nigerian universities to participate in its sabbatical and internship programs.
During the induction ceremony held at the company headquarters in Port Harcourt on Monday, Igo Weli, Renaissance’s General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasized that providing practical industry experience for lecturers and research students is crucial for enhancing teaching and research capabilities. This initiative aims to develop a pool of industry professionals who can advance Nigeria’s energy ambitions into the 21st century.
Weli explained that the sabbatical participants would engage in various operational areas of Renaissance’s exploration and production business, including biodiversity, petroleum engineering, social investment, community health, and environmental impact assessment.
He characterized the sabbatical and research internship programs as mutually beneficial, as they provide Renaissance with access to specialized expertise from professors and senior lecturers. “This is an investment in the next generation of innovators, and we are excited to be making invaluable contributions to Nigerian Content Development because we are committed to a long-term presence here,” Weli remarked.
Emmanuel Anyim, the company’s Manager of Social Investment and Social Performance, represented Weli at the induction ceremony. He highlighted Renaissance’s ongoing commitment to strengthen its relationship with academia through various intervention programs, which include establishing professorial chairs and centers of excellence in universities, particularly in the Niger Delta region where the company operates.
“Our educational intervention programs, including university scholarships, demonstrate our unwavering commitment to community development through the empowerment of youth, allowing them to excel in professional disciplines,” Weli added.
Additionally, Dr. Akinwunmi Fajola, Renaissance’s Country Health Manager, stated that this program reaffirms Renaissance’s position as an industry leader in fostering a positive learning environment and empowering talented Nigerians. He encouraged the sabbatical participants to embrace Renaissance’s policy of making positive contributions and leaving a lasting impact on the communities where the company operates.
In March 2025, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited completed its acquisition of shares in SPDC, assuming control of the SPDC Joint Venture operations. Through this acquisition, Renaissance became the operator of the joint venture, which includes the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Renaissance, TotalEnergies Limited, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Limited.
