No fewer than 623 teachers and education inspectors have completed the 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), an initiative of the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited/Seplat Energy Plc Joint Venture aimed at strengthening classroom delivery and leadership capacity in Edo and Delta States.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, in Benin City, drew senior government officials, education stakeholders, and development partners who commended the programme’s impact on the region’s education sector.
Speaking at the event, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, charged the teachers to translate their newly acquired knowledge into meaningful classroom transformation.
She stressed that the programme’s guiding principle, “Teach, Inspire and Transform” must reflect in improved learning outcomes and renewed confidence among students.
“Teach, inspire and transform is not a slogan—it is a responsibility,” she said.
Representing NEPL’s Managing Director, Nicolas Foucart, Mr. Oluwaseyi Orimoloye described STEP as a strategic partnership delivering measurable social impact.
According to him, the initiative equips educators with modern teaching tools, leadership skills, and critical thinking approaches designed to meet evolving educational demands.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholor, represented by Commissioner for Finance Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor, noted that the programme aligned with the state’s broader education reform agenda.
He applauded the Joint Venture partners for supporting government efforts to raise teaching standards.
Similarly, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, represented by Mrs. Caroline Ikem, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improving teacher quality nationwide.
She urged participants to cascade their training by mentoring colleagues and strengthening institutional capacity within their schools.
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 major highlight of the ceremony was the Teacher Innovation Contest, where participants showcased practical, market-ready solutions developed during the programme.
Top entries included:
Stephen Egbeburu — Eco “Fueless” Generator
Matthew Nwokoye — Learning Solutions
Faith Igbayo — Live FaceFoods
Organisers said the contest reflects STEP’s shift from theory-based training to solution-driven learning that promotes creativity and entrepreneurship among educators.
Launched in 2020, STEP has now trained 1,957 educators across host communities.
The curriculum integrates STEAM-focused pedagogy, digital competence, leadership development, and mentorship support to enhance instructional quality and school performance.
Seplat Energy Plc is Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy company. It is listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX: SEPLAT) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL).
Through our strategy to Build a sustainable business and Deliver energy transition, we are transforming lives by delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.
Seplat Energy’s portfolio consists of eleven oil and gas blocks in onshore and shallow water locations in the prolific Niger Delta region of Nigeria, which we operate with partners including the Nigerian Government and other oil producers.
Furthermore, we have an operated interest in three export terminals including; the Qua Iboe export terminal and Yoho FSO, as well as an operated interest in the Bonny River Terminal (BRT), and operate two large offshore NGL recovery plants at Oso and EAP.
We operate three gas processing plants onshore, at Oben in OML 4 and Sapele in OML 41 and the 300 MMscfd ANOH Gas Processing Plant in OML 53, an integrated joint venture with NGIC.
Combined, these gas facilities augment Seplat Energy’s position as a leading supplier of natural gas to the domestic power generation market.
For further information please refer to our website , https://www.seplatenergy.com/
