Not fewer than 327 teachers and 15 Inspectors of Education graduated from the 2024 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), during the Education Summit organised by the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV in Benin City, Edo State capital.
The summit, which was held at Homeville Hotel, Benin, and had the theme ‘Transforming the Education Workforce: A Critical Success for Nation Building’, brought together key stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s education sector.
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The graduation of the teachers and education inspectors, the energy company noted, underscored the NEPL/Seplat Energy’s unwavering commitment to upskilling educators and enhancing the quality of education in Edo and Delta States.
Speaking at the event, Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, said that the importance of capacity building for teachers and education leaders could not be overemphasised.
According to Afe, “We recognise that teachers are the cornerstone of a thriving education system. Through initiatives like STEP, we are equipping educators with the necessary tools, skills, and innovative teaching methodologies to foster a more engaging and impactful learning environment.
“Our commitment to teacher empowerment extends beyond training; it is about creating a ripple effect that transforms classrooms. To date, the Seplat JV has trained 1,334 teachers across our host states, integrating STEAM education and technology-driven learning approaches that have directly impacted over 100,000 students annually.”
In his remarks at the occasion, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, who was represented by the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Agatha Ogefere, emphasised the importance of the continuous development of teachers, adding that the theme of the summit was apt.
“The theme of this year’s summit, ‘Transforming the Education Workforce,’ is timely and critical. Teachers are the foundation of any education system, and their continuous development is essential for national progress. The STEP program has demonstrated its impact by equipping educators with modern teaching techniques that align with global best practices.
“I commend Seplat JV for its visionary leadership in education reform and congratulate the latest cohort of trained teachers who are now better equipped to implement Nigeria’s evolving curriculum.” Alausa reiterated.
Also speaking at the event, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, said, “This summit is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in our education system. The strength of any education system is determined by the quality, capacity, and dedication of its workforce. Transforming the education workforce is a necessity. Today, as we recognize outstanding educators and institutions through this program, we reaffirm our belief that excellence in education is worth celebrating. To all the teachers, your contributions are invaluable, and your dedication strengthens our collective resolve to build a brighter future through education.”
His Deta State counterpart in charge of Secondary Education, Rose Ezewu, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Secondary Education in the ministry, Mrs. Justina Ishaka, expressed appreciation for JV contributions.
“This annual event underscores Seplat’s unwavering dedication to educational advancement. The Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) has played a pivotal role in reshaping the secondary education landscape in Edo and Delta States. It is remarkable to note that over 600 teachers in Delta State have benefited from STEP since its inception in 2020, including 171 teachers in this current cohort. The program has significantly bridged the knowledge gap in STEM education, leading to improvements in teaching quality and learning outcomes.”
Speaking on the tangible impact of the STEP initiative, Susan Bassey, a representative from the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), added that, “The success of the STEP program is evident in the testimonies of past participants who have not only enhanced their teaching skills but also leveraged their training in broader capacities. Our commitment to this initiative remains steadfast because we have seen firsthand the transformative impact it has on grassroots education. We are proud to sustain this partnership and further expand its reach.”
Professor Yinka Omorogbe (SAN), who delivered the keynote address, provided an in-depth analysis of the summit theme, underscoring the urgent need to rethink education workforce policies to drive national development. She highlighted that investing in teachers translates into long-term socioeconomic benefits, emphasising that a well-trained workforce ensures sustainability and progress in education.
Following the keynote, a panel session featuring seasoned educationists and alumni of the STEP explored the importance of continuous investment in education. The Panelists shared personal experiences on how STEP had elevated their skills, improved their instructional techniques, and positively influenced both their personal and professional lives.
To recognize outstanding contributions, awards were presented to the top 10 teachers, while the top three innovative projects developed during the training received special recognition. These projects exemplify the practical application of the skills gained through STEP, reinforcing its tangible impact on real-world teaching methodologies.
Reflecting on her experience, Lydia Aiganigbee, a teacher from Chinel Universe Academies, Edo State shared, “The STEP program has completely transformed my approach to teaching. The methodologies and tools introduced have enabled me to create a more interactive and stimulating learning environment, significantly enhancing student engagement and performance.”
“STEP is a game-changer. It has expanded my teaching perspective. Through the training, I have learned how to make learning more participatory and impactful. Now, I am empowered to make my students active participants in the classroom and equip them with skills that are relevant to society,” Ereraka Lucky Ovie, a teacher from Agbor College, Delta State, who was crowned the top teacher of the 2024 STEP cohort, added.
Seplat Energy remains resolute in its mission to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector by investing in teachers’ capacity development. The success of this year’s summit reaffirms the company’s leadership in fostering educational excellence and systemic transformation.
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