By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The NNPC E&P Limited/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) said it has graduated 331 teachers and 27 Chief Inspectors of Education (CIE) at the 2024 edition of the Seplat JV Education Summit, and Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) graduation ceremony for Edo and Delta states.
The company said in a statement that STEP is designed to promote teacher’s creative thinking, provide training on teaching applications for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), provide leadership and self-improvement training, allow for higher student’s engagement, and offer a well-rounded education for recipients of the programme.
For this fourth edition, a total of 358 teachers graduated from the programme and were presented with requisite certificates.
The programme is targeted at secondary school teachers in public and private schools in Delta and Edo states, including the communities where Seplat Energy operates.
It is a six-month intensive training programme which kicks off with a four-day residential workshop aimed to provide leadership and self-improvement training, training on STEAM modules and its application to teaching.
The teachers are also provided with STEAM gadgets and Apps to support their delivery of quality teaching in their schools.
In his remarks, Mr. Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, lauded the governments of Edo and Delta states, and the NNPC for earnestly working with the Seplat management of Energy to drive the STEP initiative.
“The country’s education system today is not where it should be, and we understand its pivotal role in development. If the youths of this country are not developed, there’s a problem. This shared drive among Seplat, our senior partners, and the state governments in the areas we operate is what propels us forward,” Ezugworie explained.
Mrs. Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, explained that the education value chain plays a crucial role in shaping the workforce and fostering economic development.
Afe said: “At the foundation of the education value chain lie primary and secondary education, crucial for laying the groundwork for future learning. However, access to quality early education, especially in rural areas, remains a challenge. This affects children’s ability to proceed to higher education or enter the workforce.
“Despite efforts to increase access to quality education, disparities in resources persist across different regions, particularly in secondary education. Higher education institutions play a critical role in shaping the workforce through specialised training and skills development, but they face challenges such as limited funding and outdated curricula.”
According to her, education disparities among socioeconomic groups hinder inclusive growth and poverty reduction efforts, emphasizing the need for uniformity in resource allocation and quality improvement.
Ayodele Olatunde, MD Seplat West Ltd, earlier in his welcome address, said the programme stands as a beacon of our unwavering commitment to championing and empowering educators in their noble quest for excellence.
Education disparities among socioeconomic groups hinder inclusive growth and poverty reduction efforts, emphasizing the need for uniformity in resource allocation and quality improvement.
Dr. Joan Ovaiwe, the Edo Commissioner for Education thanked Seplat JV and NEPL for supporting teachers in Edo and Delta, noting that under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, Edo have been focused on education reform for the past seven years through the Edo Best framework.
The Keynote speaker, Akin-Olusoji Akinyele, the Group Managing Director NewGlobe said there is compelling evidence that improved quality of education would produce a more educated and skilled labour force.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Transforming the Education Workforce: A Critical Success Factor for Nation Building, Akinyele said transforming the education workforce requires a holistic and collaborative approach, adding that it is a complex and multifaceted process that involves various stakeholders, strategic planning, and sustained efforts.
The MD, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Mr. Uzoma Ezulu, DM Operations Mgt Seplat, NEPL, commended Seplat Energy’s strides in education development.
“If only other operators would do the same thing Seplat is doing, I am sure a lot of the education-related problems we are having currently in the country would not exist,” he added.
The overall outstanding teacher from the programme, Francis Edeki, said: “I am so much grateful to Seplat for what they have done especially in this programme. I also believe that every teacher here is also delighted that they are part of this programme. It is indeed a rare opportunity; and now I can tell you I am empowered.”
