From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Over 350 teachers drawn from Edo and Delta states were trained by Seplat/Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) E&P during the 4th edition of the Seplat/Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) in Benin.
The programme is geared towards equipping teachers with skills to effectively deliver knowledge to students in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Speaking at the event, Seplat Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, explained that STEAM is to improve self awareness and knowledge of teachers.
“Beyond that, we want to re-orient our teachers, STEAM helps creativity. We can teach science to students creatively. Teacher’s leadership is the process where our teachers collaborate with others to improve teaching to impact teachers,” she said.
She noted that the programme will enable teachers to become advocates for their profession.
Adviser, Community Relations, Owunari Levi, who represented the managing director of NNPC E&P Limited, thanked Seplat for its support for the sustained growth and progress of the company’s oil and gas exploration pursuits.
“It is our pleasure as an organisation in partnership with SEPLAT to roll out the STEP Seplat teachers empowerment programme for our host communities.
“This programme is one of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives designed to provide and build the capacity of teachers residing within the NNPC E&P Limited/SEPLAT operational communities.
“The CSR initiative aims to promote quality education in Nigeria through the training of secondary school teachers in critical thinking, leadership and improving their competence to teach students through STEAM methodology. Today marks the kick-off of the programme for 2023,” he said.