Seplat, NEPL to train 500 Edo teachers in 2026 STEP cohort‎

Programme has upskilled over 2,000 educators across Edo, Delta and Imo since inception
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‎The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has confirmed plans to train 500 teachers across Edo State, as part of a renewed push to strengthen classroom outcomes through sustained investment in educator development.
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‎Confiance News gathered that the disclosure was made on Thursday in Benin City by Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy Plc, who was represented by Esther Icha, General Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, during the onboarding workshop for the 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).
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‎Programme has trained over 2,000 educators in six years
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‎It was learned that the 2026 edition marks a significant expansion of STEP, which has, over the past six years, trained more than 2,000 teachers and education evaluators across Edo, Delta and Imo States. The current cohort will see 500 teachers from Edo State benefit from the initiative.
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‎Speaking at the event, Afe said Seplat’s continued investment in the programme reflects the company’s broader commitment to nation building through education.
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‎”Seplat is very committed to education. It’s critical to nation building, and everybody that is here has contributed in one way or the other to the life of one student or one child,” she said.
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‎She noted that evolving curricula, technology and teaching approaches make it necessary for teachers to continuously update their skills.
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‎”Education is changing daily,” Afe said. “This programme is to equip you with what you need to meet the changing trends.”
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‎Confiance News understands that STEP was designed to strengthen teachers both within the classroom and in their personal and professional development, giving participants access to facilitators, learning resources and platforms exposing them to contemporary teaching approaches.
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‎Afe commended NEPL for its consistent backing of the programme and the Edo State Government for facilitating the participation of schools and teachers, urging trainees to translate their learning into improved outcomes for students.
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‎Edo commissioner hails Seplat as “partner in progress”
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‎Also speaking, Washington Osa Osifo, Edo State Commissioner for Education, commended Seplat Energy for its sustained contribution to education in the state and its long-standing partnership with government.
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‎Recalling his earlier tenure at the Ministry of Education, Osifo expressed appreciation for the company’s continued presence in the state.
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‎”I am glad, and I thank you so much for not abandoning Edo State,” he said.
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‎Describing Seplat as a “partner in progress,” Osifo said the company’s sustained engagement demonstrated the value of long-term collaboration between government and the private sector in tackling education sector challenges.
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‎It was gathered that Osifo reflected on previous state education reforms, noting that infrastructure investments had made schools more attractive to students, but stressed that physical upgrades alone could not guarantee outcomes.
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‎”Whereas the form is good, but content is always better,” he said, emphasising the need for effective administration and quality teaching to complement infrastructure.
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‎Osifo pointed to improvements in the state’s performance in national examinations as evidence of the impact of teacher capacity building, an area he said the JV supports through STEP.
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‎Addressing the teachers directly, the commissioner urged them to ensure their training translates into measurable classroom improvements.
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‎”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.
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‎He further encouraged educators to remain committed to the state curriculum, avoid shortcuts, and help students build confidence, while stressing the importance of character and moral responsibility in shaping the next generation.
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‎”See yourself and do to them (your students) what you would have loved a teacher to do to you,” he said.
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‎HR chief makes case for teacher leadership
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‎Confiance News also learned that Emo Udobong-Ntia, Vice President of HR Operations at Seplat Energy Plc, urged participants to build a culture of influence, leadership and mentorship to strengthen their bond with students.
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‎Udobong-Ntia presented a paper titled “The Case for Teacher Leadership,” addressing why teacher leadership matters now more than ever.
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‎The 2026 STEP programme builds on the Seplat Energy Joint Venture’s sustained investment in teacher capacity development and its broader commitment to education in the communities where it operates.
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