In a noteworthy advancement for education in Edo and Delta states, Seplat Energy JV, in partnership with NNPC Ltd., has successfully empowered 327 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) teachers and 15 Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) through its Science Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).
Now in its fifth edition, this initiative aims to enhance the STEAM model of learning and has positively influenced over 100,000 students annually across both states.
Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat, announced that since the programme’s launch in 2020, more than 1,334 teachers have been trained. She also introduced the STEP App, an innovative online platform that provides access to over 10,000 educational resources.
“Our objective is to foster entrepreneurship among teachers, enabling them to launch successful businesses and improve student outcomes,” Afe stated.
In support of the initiative, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NNPC E.P Ltd., represented by Mrs. Susan Bassey, emphasized that the programme is a key component of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility toward its host communities.
He noted that the initiative has significantly enhanced the teaching competencies of previous participants, who have applied their training in various capacities.
During the event, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, the Guest Speaker, praised Seplat Energy and NEPL for their investment in teacher development. “Education is critical to a nation’s success and prosperity,” he asserted. Omorogbe highlighted Nigeria’s education funding, stating,
“Nigeria spends a minimum of four percent of its GDP on education, compared to the world average of about 4.15 percent. The UNESCO-recommended investment of 15 to 20 percent underscores the urgent need for improvement in our educational system,” he added.
He further commended Seplat for tackling the issue of teachers’ underpayment through the entrepreneurship programme and stressed the need for an educational framework that values and rewards teachers.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by Mrs. Agatha Ogefere, lauded Seplat JV for its visionary leadership in education reform and congratulated the newly trained teachers. Dr. Paddy Iyamu, Edo State Commissioner for Education, along with Mrs. Rose Ezewu, Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, also acknowledged NEPL/Seplat Energy’s dedication to education and recognized the transformative impact of the programme on both teachers and students.
