The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/SeplatEnergyJoint Venture has graduated 623 teachers and education inspectors from the 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP). The trainees were from Edo and Delta states.
The Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme reinforced SeplatEnergy’s commitment to strengthening teacher capacity across the two states.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin, the Edo State capital.
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.
Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, urged the graduated teachers from the 2026 STEP ceremony to carry their renewed skills and confidence into their classrooms.
Afe told the teachers that to “Teach, inspire and transform is not a slogan—it is a responsibility.”
Governor Monday Okpebholor of Edo State, represented by Finance Commissioner Emmanuel Okoebor, confirmed the programme’s alignment with the state’s education agenda.
Representing NEPL’s Managing Director, Nicolas Foucart, Mr. Oluwaseyi Orimoloye 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.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. SuwaibaSai’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, among others.
Felix Omoh-Asun
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