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From Enweliku Kent Asaba
The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has commissioned and handed over two fully equipped state-of-the-art STEAM Laboratories in Asagba Mixed Secondary School and Zappa Basic Secondary School, both in Asaba to the Delta State government.
The Joint Venture also reemphasised commitment to improving quality education with sustained investment in teacher development, by empowering 500 teachers across Delta State with contemporary STEAM-based teaching skills. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
On behalf of the NEPL/Seplat JV, Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, represented by Esther Icha, the General Manager, Corporate Social Investment & Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc highlighted that the laboratories formed part of its strategic investment the future generation through quality education for the purpose of building a better society.
She revealed that the initiatives formed part of the JV partners’ efforts to promote more creative, practical and student-centred learning in schools, adding that “through these laboratories, our students will not only learn theories, they will experiment, design, create, test-ideas and build real confidence to solve real life problems”.
Afe said, “Today, the NEPL/Seplat JV is delighted to formally handover these STEAM Laboratories to the Delta State Ministry of Education. This moment represents more than just the commissioning of a room filled with equipment; it represents a strong investment in the future of our students, our schools and our state.”
On the rationale and expected impact, Afe explained, “STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics is no longer an option in today’s world; it is the foundation for innovation, problem solving, creativity and sustainable development.”
She added that the laboratories brought the number of such interventions in Delta State to seven, expressing gratitude to the state government, the JV partner, and the various school authorities that made the project possible.
Afe expressed optimism that the laboratories will make the desired impacts on the relevant stakeholders including the students, schools and the society at large.
HE Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Governor, represented by Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, commended Seplat Energy for its sustained investment in education and other areas in the state.
The commissioner encouraged the students to make judicious use of the STEAM Laboratories, while approaching the future with confidence. He charged them not to be afraid of failure, because “many great inventors failed many times before they succeeded”.
Ashibogwu also disclosed that security measures had been put in place to protect the facility, including CCTV and connections with relevant security agencies.
On her part, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Member Representing Oshimili South Constituency, Delta State House of Assembly, commended Seplat Energy for donating laboratories to schools in Oshimili South.
She recounted other strong investments of the JV partners in education, including the NNPC/Seplat JV PEARLs Quiz, which she noted encourages bright minds and has been consistently won by public schools, adding that the STEAM Laboratories would encourage practical learning in public schools and improve learning outcomes.
Anyafulu noted that meaningful development requires private-sector participation, describing investment in education as a long-term investment in peace and prosperity.
An elated Stella Ajufo, Principal, Adagba Secondary School, Asaba, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and Seplat Energy for selecting the school as a beneficiary.
She assured that the laboratory would be put to effective use, noting that seven teachers from the school had participated in the JV’s STEP workshop and were trained on how to use the laboratory equipment.
The teachers, she added, would share their knowledge with other teachers in the school to promote wider utilisation of the facility. Ajufo assured that the school would protect and maintain the equipment while ensuring that students benefit fully from the new learning environment.
Earlier at the STEM Onboarding ceremony for 500 teachers, Afe, who was represented by Emmanuel Otokhine, Senior Manager, Brands, Sponsorship and PR, Seplat Energy Plc, reassured of the JV’s commitment to continuous investment in the future generation through quality education for the purpose of building a better society.
She revealed that the initiatives formed part of the JV partners’ efforts to promote more creative, practical and student-centred learning in schools, adding that, “Teachers are the critical success factor for any education model. If we want to change the trajectory of our students, we must first invest in their teachers. The STEP was more than a conventional teacher training initiative, as it represents a ‘step up’ for classrooms, students, host communities and the entire country.”
Afe said the programme was designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills required to respond to changing educational needs, particularly as curricula, technology and approaches to teaching continue to evolve.
She pointed out that “Education is changing daily. This programme is to equip you with what you need to meet the changing trends”.
Afe highlighted that the deliberate inclusion of the Arts is intended to strengthen creative thinking, design and human empathy alongside scientific and mathematical knowledge.
According to her, the approach is designed to move students beyond rote learning or memorisation towards creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving with a view to positively impacting the larger society.
She noted that the programme also seeks to make classrooms places of discovery, where students can engage more actively with what they are learning and help them connect classroom concepts to real-world challenges.
The 2026 interventions reflect the Joint Venture’s continued investment in education through teacher development and practical learning infrastructure, with the aim of strengthening educator capacity, improving learning outcomes and creating opportunities for students to develop the skills needed to become innovators, problem-solvers and leaders.
