NEPL/Seplat JV trains 623 teachers

By Jethro Ibileke

No fewer than 623 teachers and education inspectors have graduated from the 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).

The training affirms the commitment of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture to strengthening teacher capacity across Edo and Delta States.

The graduation ceremony was held over the weekend at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State.

Speaking at the event, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, urged the teachers to take their renewed skills and confidence back to their classrooms, adding: “Teach, inspire and transform is not a slogan—it is a responsibility.”

Oluwaseyi Orimoloye, representing NEPL’s Managing Director, Nicolas Foucart, described STEP as “a partnership delivering meaningful social impact”, adding that the programme equips teachers with critical thinking abilities, leadership skills and technology-enabled learning tools.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, noted that the programme aligns with the state’s education agenda.

The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, represented by Mrs Caroline Ikem, emphasised the Federal Government’s focus on improving teacher quality and urged the graduates to “share what you have learnt, because the future of the nation depends on it.”

The British Council Country Director, Donna McGowan, represented by Chikodi Onyemerela, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and called for greater emphasis on digital skills and modern pedagogy.

Delta State’s Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, and Edo State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, also commended the joint venture partners and encouraged participants to cascade their knowledge within their schools.

A highlight of the event was the Teacher Innovation Contest, which featured market-ready ideas developed during STEP. Winners included:

Stephen Egbeburu – Eco “Fueless” Generator

Matthew Nwokoye – Learning Solutions

Faith Igbayo – Live FaceFoods

Launched in 2020, STEP has now trained 1,957 educators, combining STEAM-focused pedagogy, digital literacy, leadership development and mentorship to enhance instructional quality across host communities.