The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has commenced the training of 500 teachers in Edo State under its 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), as part of efforts to improve teaching quality and learning outcomes in the state.
The initiative was disclosed on Thursday in Benin by Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, who was represented by Esther Icha, General Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, during the 2026 STEP onboarding workshop.
The 2026 edition marks an expansion of the programme, which has trained more than 2,000 teachers and education evaluators across Edo, Delta and Imo states over the past six years.
Afe said the joint venture was investing in teacher development because education remained central to nation-building, adding that teachers needed to continually update their skills as curricula, technology and teaching methods evolve.
“Education is changing daily. This programme is to equip you with what you need to meet the changing trends,” she said.
She said STEP was designed to support teachers’ classroom practice as well as their personal and professional development through facilitators, learning resources and exposure to contemporary approaches to education.
Afe also acknowledged the support of NEPL and the Edo State Government in implementing the programme, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training to improve outcomes for their students.
Speaking at the event, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Washington Osa Osifo, commended Seplat Energy for its sustained investment in education and its partnership with the state government.Osifo described the company as a “partner in progress” and said its long-term engagement demonstrated the value of collaboration between government and the private sector in addressing challenges in education.
He said investment in school infrastructure had helped make schools more attractive to students, but stressed that infrastructure alone could not guarantee quality education.
“Whereas the form is good, but content is always better,” he said, stressing the importance of effective administration, quality teaching and strong educational content.
The commissioner urged the teachers to ensure that the training produced measurable improvements in their classrooms.
“After this investment in training, you are supposed to go back and manifest it. And we will measure it with the results that will proceed from you,” he said.
He also urged the teachers to remain committed to the state curriculum, avoid shortcuts and help students build confidence, character and a sense of responsibility.
In her presentation titled “The Case for Teacher Leadership,” Vice President, HR Operations, Seplat Energy Plc, Emo Udobong-Ntia, encouraged the participants to embrace leadership and mentorship in their relationships with students.
The 2026 STEP programme forms part of Seplat Energy Joint Venture’s continuing investment in teacher capacity development and education in its host communities and operating states.
