UMaT Unveils Shell Filling Station: A Hub for Entrepreneurship and Learning

This project promises to transform the university’s financial landscape while providing students with practical learning opportunities.

Speaking at the grand opening of the filling station, Professor Amankwaah recounted how his vision for entrepreneurship at UMaT, outlined in his appointment statement five years ago, led to the innovative project. He revealed that the idea was born out of a desire to optimize the use of a prime piece of land on campus, which was occupied by only a two-bedroom house. 

“I wondered why such a prime land would have just a two-bedroom house. Why not convert it into something more productive, like a fuel station, to generate income for the university?” he said. This thought sparked conversations with several hydrocarbon companies, culminating in a partnership with Vivo Energy Ghana, the licensee of Shell in Ghana, which offered the most favourable terms for the university.

Professor Amankwaah expressed gratitude to Shell for providing an attractive package that made the collaboration possible. He also highlighted the innovative financing approach used to fund the project. Recognizing that the university’s pension funds were tied up in low-yield liquid assets, he proposed using the Ghana Universities Superannuation Scheme (GUSS) funds to build the filling station. This decision not only ensured better returns for the university but also secured a more stable financial future for retirees.

“Today, we are here celebrating the fruits of that vision. I see Pizza Man, a pharmacy shop, and a cash point – all part of this multipurpose facility,” he said, acknowledging the support of the university council and GUSS for making the project a reality.

The UMaT Shell Filling Station is not just a revenue-generating venture; it is also a practical learning centre for students. Professor Amankwaah emphasized that the station would serve as a hub for entrepreneurship education, aligning with the university’s mission to teach and practice entrepreneurship. 

“We teach entrepreneurship at UMaT, but you cannot teach something effectively if you’re not practising it. This filling station will provide hands-on learning opportunities for our students,” he said. Students from the School of Petrochemical Engineering and the Business School will have the chance to undertake attachments at the station, gaining insights into fuel logistics, transport, and business operations. Additionally, students can work part-time as pump attendants or at the Pizza Man outlet, earning income while studying.

Richard Akanlise, District Manager of Vivo Energy, described the collaboration as a historic milestone. “This is the first time a hydrocarbon company is partnering with a university in this way. It’s an exciting model that combines academia with business, and it’s something that should be studied and replicated,” he said.

Akanlise assured customers of premium-quality fuel and services, highlighting Shell’s commitment to innovation and excellence. He mentioned plans to introduce V-Power and V-Save fuels, as well as Shell’s world-renowned lubricants, to the UMaT station. He also praised the integration of additional services like Pizza Man and Loop Services, which enhance the customer experience and create a vibrant forecourt environment.

The UMaT Shell Filling Station represents a bold step toward financial sustainability and practical education. By blending academia with business, UMaT sets a precedent for other universities. As Professor Amankwaah aptly puts it, “This is not just a filling station; it’s a centre for learning, innovation, and growth.”

The public is encouraged to patronize the UMaT Shell Filling Station, where they can expect quality fuel, excellent service, and value for their money. With this project, UMaT is fueling vehicles and the dreams and aspirations of its students and the broader community.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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