Over 350 Edo, Delta Teachers Graduate from Seplat JV’s Education Empowerment

No less than 350 public and private school teachers in Edo and Delta States at the weekend, graduated from Seplat JV Energy education empowerment programme for host communities.

The teachers were trained in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) under the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).

The training which was done in collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), was geared towards equipping the teachers with skills to effectively deliver STEAM knowledge to the students.

Director, Seplat External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, explained that the education value chain played a crucial role in shaping the workforce and fostering economic development.

Speaking at an education summit and graduation ceremony organised by Seplat JV and NNPC in Benin City, capital of Edo State, Afe said collective efforts were vital in building a skilled and productive workforce .

She noted that despite efforts to increase access to quality education, disparities in resources persist across different regions, particularly in secondary education.

"We want to address the challenges within the education value chain, especially in the areas where Seplat and NNPC operate, as well as across the nation.

"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, Afe said.

According to her, collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions, and the government is essential to improve the quality of teaching and learning outcomes.

Earlier, the Chief Operating Officer, Seplat JV, Mr Samson Ezugworie said Seplat recognised the problem and the need to confront it head-on.

Ezugworie noted that Nigeria’s education system today is not where it should be, adding that Seplat understands its pivotal role in development.

"This shared drive among Seplat, our senior partners, and the state governments in the areas we operate is what propels us," he said.

Delivering a goodwill message, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Joan Ovaiwe, thanked Seplat JV Energy and NNPC for supporting teachers in Edo and Delta