NEPL/Seplat JV graduates 623 teachers under 2026 STEP
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Speaking at the event, the Director, External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, urged the teachers to carry their renewed skills and confidence into their classrooms, adding: “Teach, inspire and transform is not a slogan—it is a responsibility.”
By Jethro Ibileke
No fewer than 623 teachers and education inspectors graduated from the 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP). The training is affirmation of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture’s commitment 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, External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, urged the teachers to carry their renewed skills and confidence into their classrooms, adding: “Teach, inspire and transform is not a slogan—it is a responsibility.”
Oluwaseyi Orimoloye, the representative of NEPL’s Managing Director, Nicolas Foucart, described STEP as “a partnership delivering meaningful social impact,” adding that the programme equips teachers with critical thinking, leadership skills, and technology-enabled learning tools.
On his part, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo, who was represented by the Finance Commissioner, Emmanuel Okoebor, noted that the programme alignmens with the state’s education agenda.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, represented by Mrs. Caroline Ikem, emphasised the Federal Government’s focus on teacher quality and urged graduates to “share what you have learnt, because the future of the nation depends on it.”
British Council Country Director, Donna McGowan, represented by Chikodi Onyemerela, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, calling for more 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 JV partners and encouraged teachers to cascade their knowledge within their schools.
A highlight of the event was the Teacher Innovation Contest, featuring 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 improve instructional quality across host communities.
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