Ugo Aliogo
The NNPC E&P Limited/ Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has graduated 331 teachers and 27 Chief Inspectors of Education (CIE) at the 2024 edition of the Seplat JV Education Summit and Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) graduation ceremony for Edo and Delta States.
In a statement issued yesterday, it was noted that the events held in Benin-city, Edo State, were hinged on the Joint Venture’s continued quest to contribute towards the improvement of quality education in the communities and states where Seplat Energy operates, and by extension, Nigeria. Public and private school teachers were beneficiaries of the programme.
The statement also noted that STEP was designed to promote teacher’s creative thinking, provide training on teaching applications for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), provide leadership and self-improvement training, allow for higher student’s engagement, and offer a well-rounded education for recipients of the programme.
Adding that for this edition, which is the fourth, a total of 358 teachers graduated from the programme and were presented with requisite certificates.
The statement also stated that the programme is targeted at secondary school teachers in public and private schools in Delta and Edo States, including the communities where Seplat Energy operates.
The statement remarked that it is a six-month intensive training programme which kicked off with a four-day residential workshop aimed to provide leadership and self-improvement training, training on STEAM modules, and its application to teaching.
The statement added that the teachers were also provided with STEAM gadgets and apps to support their delivery of quality teaching in their schools.
In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Samson Ezugworie, lauded the governments of Edo and Delta States and the NNPC for earnestly working with the management of Seplat Energy to drive the STEP initiative.
According to Ezugworie, “The country’s education system today is not where it should be, and we understand its pivotal role in development. If the youths of this country are not developed, there’s a problem. This shared drive among Seplat, our senior partners, and the state governments in the areas we operate is what propels us forward. To the teachers in the room, you shape individuals, and you should take pride in your work. I’m sure your teachers would also be proud to see you, knowing you were once their student, bringing them a sense of satisfaction. Always remember that wisdom is the key.”
Also, the External Affairs and Social Performance Director, Mrs. Chioma Afe, explained that the education value chain plays a crucial role in shaping the workforce and fostering economic development.
Addressing the challenges within the education value chain, especially in the areas where Seplat and NNPC operate, as well as across the country, Afe said: “At the foundation of the education value chain lie primary and secondary education, which is crucial for laying the groundwork for future learning. However, access to quality early education, especially in rural areas, remains a challenge. This affects children’s ability to proceed to higher education or enter the workforce. Despite efforts to increase access to quality education, disparities in resources persist across different regions, particularly in secondary education. Higher education institutions play a critical role in shaping the workforce through specialised training and skills development, but they face challenges such as limited funding and outdated curricula.
