By Rosemary Okoduwa
In a significant milestone, the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) successfully hosted the 2025 Seplat Education Summit on February 27, 2025, at Homeville Hotel, Benin, Edo State. The summit, themed “Transforming the Education Workforce: A Critical Success for Nation Building,” brought together key stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s education sector.
A major highlight of the event was the graduation of 327 teachers and 15 Chief Inspectors of Education from the 2024 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP). This achievement underscores the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV’s unwavering commitment to upskilling educators and enhancing the quality of education in Edo and Delta States.
In her address, Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, emphasized the importance of capacity building for teachers and education leaders. “We recognize 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.”
The STEP program has demonstrated its impact by equipping educators with modern teaching techniques that align with global best practices. Since its inception, STEP has trained 1,334 teachers across Edo and Delta States, integrating STEAM education and technology-driven learning approaches that have directly impacted over 100,000 students annually.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Agatha Ogefere, commended Seplat JV for its visionary leadership in education reform. The Honorable Commissioner, Edo State Ministry of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, and the Honorable Commissioner for Secondary Education, Delta State, Rose Ezewu, also expressed their appreciation for the JV’s contributions to educational advancement.
Lydia Aiganigbee, a teacher from Chinel Universe Academies, Edo State, shared her experience with the STEP program. “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.”
Ereraka Lucky Ovie, a teacher from Agbor College, Delta State, who was crowned the top teacher of the 2024 STEP cohort, added, “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.”
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.