Oando PLC, Africa’s leading indigenous energy solutions provider, on 15 January 2026 welcomed a new cohort of 60 young professionals into its Graduate Acceleration Programme (OGAP), marking another important step in its ongoing effort to build sustainable talent for Nigeria’s energy sector.
The initiative highlights Oando’s long-term commitment to empowering young Nigerians through structured learning and mentorship. Since the company launched its graduate development programme over a decade ago, it has focused on grooming professionals to become leaders in the energy space, spanning technical, commercial, and corporate functions. The approach is based on the recognition that the oil and gas industry demands specialised expertise, which many graduates lack due to limited access to industry experience before employment.
For years, knowledge transfer in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has been supported by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act of 2010. This law encouraged the growth of local participation by mandating local content in projects and workforce development. It played a vital role in empowering indigenous companies and professionals, helping shape today’s industry where local operators contribute significantly to production. Building on this progress, Oando identified the need to move beyond general knowledge transfer and instead provide a deliberate system that equips young Nigerians with practical skills and leadership capacity.
OGAP represents Oando’s structured response to this need, providing participants with direct exposure, guided mentorship, and the opportunity to develop the technical and professional capabilities essential for long-term success in the energy industry. Many individuals who began their professional journey through Oando’s graduate and trainee programmes have since advanced to occupy mid-level and senior management roles, contributing actively to the company’s continued growth.
According to Kanyinsola Mba, General Manager, Human Capital Management & Services at Oando Energy Resources, the initiative directly addresses the challenges faced by recent graduates. “The energy sector is highly specialised, and many roles require prior exposure that most graduates simply do not have. OGAP was created to bridge that gap by giving young Nigerians structured, hands-on experience, building their competence while preparing them for growth and long-term careers in the industry,” she explained.
Mba further noted that the programme’s purpose extends beyond Oando’s internal staffing goals. “By investing in young people from diverse backgrounds, we are not only strengthening our talent pipeline, but we are also contributing to skills development, job creation, and long-term economic resilience,” she said.
The 2026 OGAP cohort showcases Oando’s commitment to inclusivity, drawing participants from a range of academic fields and social backgrounds. As Nigeria continues to address high youth unemployment, the programme provides an opportunity for meaningful work experience, professional development, and career growth within one of the country’s most critical industries.
Through OGAP, Oando reinforces its belief that people remain its greatest asset and that developing local capacity is central to sustaining Nigeria’s energy industry in the years ahead.
