Accruing an outstanding cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.91,Halima Oyakhire graduated with first-class honours from the department of petroleum engineering, Covenant University, Ogun state. Working with the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) as part of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, she actively works on a youth engagement programme aimed at empowering young Nigerians and fostering industry-wide awareness on energy transition and sustainability.
In this interview Oyakhire speaks about academic success, women’s participation in STEM, and energy transition.
Tell us how you achieved such an academic feat and how your education helped you gain insight into the petroleum engineering field?
I believe everyone has untapped capacity within them, sometimes it just needs to be triggered. For me, it was a matter of identifying a goal I deeply wanted and following through with unwavering focus. There were many moments where not putting in as much effort seemed easier, but when you have a goal in mind, you ask yourself: how would you feel if at the end of everything you didn’t even try?
Studying at Covenant University was instrumental in shaping my academic journey. It brought us closer to the theoretical foundations of petroleum engineering, a rich fountain of knowledge that I am grateful to have drawn from. I was also fortunate to gain a taste of real-world fieldwork through my SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme) program, which gave me practical exposure and helped me connect classroom learning with on-site realities. Together, these experiences gave me deep insight into the petroleum engineering field and fueled my passion to keep growing in it.
2) Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself as a stronger, more purposeful version of who I am today, driven, focused, and contributing meaningfully to the energy sector. As the saying goes, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” While I may not have every detail figured out, I am confident in the direction I’m headed. I will be a part of the energy sector, driving my aspirations and ambitions forward, and working diligently toward goals that align with growth, impact, and purpose.
I’m currently working with the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), an association committed to advocacy and transformation within Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector. MEMAN’s focus on policy engagement, industry standards, and capacity development is fully aligned with the kind of purposeful work I envision for myself.
3) What’s your opinion about energy transition and do you think it will affect your job role or you would be willing to transition?
The energy transition has opened a new wave of possibilities and multiplied opportunities for young, aspiring professionals like myself. It broadens the horizon, introducing dynamic paths in renewables, technology, and sustainability which makes the energy sector even more exciting and future-driven.
I believe the transition will in fact, it will enhance my career path. I am a renewable energy enthusiast with a deep interest in clean and sustainable energy solutions. The direction the industry is heading aligns perfectly with my personal and professional goals, and I look forward to contributing meaningfully to a more balanced and sustainable energy future.
4) What changes or innovations in the energy sector do you think will shape its future?
While not entirely new innovations, Renewable energy like solar power and electric vehicles (EVs) are now coming into greater focus in Nigeria’s energy landscape. Solar energy, especially through off-grid and mini-grid systems, is expanding access to electricity in underserved areas, making a real difference. Similarly, EVs are gaining attention as cleaner, more efficient alternatives for transportation. For example, some commercial buses and vehicles are increasingly being adopted in urban areas.
In addition, the Nigerian government through initiatives like the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) and the Decade of Gas is actively promoting the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner, cost-effective transport fuel. Another key development is the introduction of E10 fuel, a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. These developments, though not brand new globally, are shaping Nigeria’s path towards being a more sustainable nation.
5) What can industry leaders do to better support young women professionals, especially women in STEM fields?
While STEM has traditionally been a male-dominated field, increasing female participation is essential for driving innovation and ensuring diverse perspectives in the industry. Industry leaders can support this by promoting inclusive hiring practices ensuring job postings and recruitment processes are gender-neutral to attract a wider, more diverse talent pool.
Equally important is investing in early STEM education for girls through programs that introduce them to science, technology, engineering, and math helping build foundational skills and long-term interest. Women who are already leaders in STEM can play a vital role by sharing their advice and inspiring stories, encouraging young women to pursue and stay committed to careers in these fields.
At MEMAN, I’m currently developing a youth engagement initiative that aligns with our broader goals of MEMAN Competency center which is capacity development and innovation. Through this, we aim to equip young Nigerians. This also fosters women in STEM by creating opportunities for young Nigerians, especially aspiring female professionals, to access the knowledge, skills, and encouragement they need to explore and thrive in the energy sector.
6) What advice would you give to students aspiring to excel in their studies and careers?
You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room to succeed, you just have to want it the most. Success in your studies isn’t about having all the best grades; it’s about showing up every day with determination, giving your best, and refusing to give up when it gets tough.
Every assignment, every test, every exam treat it as a chance to build your excellence. Even on the days when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or discouraged, remember why you’re there in the first place, what would you like to gain. Think about the future you’re working toward. What do you want your graduation to look like? What kind of person do you want to become? Make that vision your fuel.
It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out yet. School is a place to learn, explore, and discover what truly interests you. Often, what you study may not directly determine your final career path, but every journey starts with a vision. Having a clear goal early in life helps guide your decisions and keeps you motivated as you grow professionally.
7) How do you reconcile the environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels with your work in petroleum engineering?
Environmental concerns around fossil fuels are real and important, and they have become central to discussions about the future of energy. As a young professional in the petroleum engineering field, I believe the key is balance, recognizing the current role fossil fuels play in powering economies while also supporting efforts to reduce emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.
With ongoing innovation, the industry is finding ways to make traditional energy more efficient and environmentally responsible; while also investing in alternatives, this balanced approach is exactly what MEMAN advocates for . It’s not about choosing one over the other, but about working responsibly and being part of a sustainable energy future. Working with MEMAN allows me to contribute to this mission supporting energy solutions that are both practical and progressive
Photo credit: online.
#Bunmi Aduloju, a journalist and fellow of 2025 Africa Foundation for Young Media Professionals’ women in Journalism, gender reporting media fellowship
