Follow Us on Google
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has graduated 623 teachers and education inspectors from the 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), reinforcing its commitment to strengthening teacher capacity across Edo and Delta states.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, urged the teachers to carry their renewed skills and confidence into the classrooms, saying, “Teach, inspire and transform is not a slogan, it is a responsibility.”
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 abilities, leadership skills and technology-enabled learning tools.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, confirmed the programme’s alignment with the state’s education agenda.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, represented by Mrs. Caroline Ikem, emphasised the Federal Government’s focus on teacher quality and urged the graduates to “share what you have learnt, because the future of the nation depends on it.”
The British Council Country Director, Donna McGowan, represented by Chikodi Onyemerela, highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and called for greater emphasis on digital skills and modern pedagogy.
Delta State’s Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, and Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, also commended the joint venture partners and encouraged the teachers to cascade their knowledge within their schools.
A highlight of the event was the teacher innovation contest, which featured market-ready ideas developed during the STEP programme.
The three winners were Stephen Egbeburu, who produced the ‘Eco Fueless Generator,’ Matthew Nwokoye, who developed ‘Learning Solutions’ and Faith Igbayo, who presented ‘Live FaceFoods.’
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.
