As part of its 2025 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture commenced a new chapter in teacher training and development by onboarding 650 teachers and Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) from Edo and Delta States.

Kicking off with a dynamic two-day workshop in Benin City, this year’s STEP cohort marks a significant stride toward transforming classroom learning through the upskilling of educators. With 325 participants each from Edo and Delta States, the selection process was highly competitive, drawing over 4,666 applications.

The onboarding workshop, a vital foundation for the four-month virtual training programme, introduced participants to the STEP structure, equipped them with android tablets, and established collaborative learning frameworks. The training culminates in a Microsoft certification, further positioning the educators as 21st-century teaching professionals. To support uninterrupted learning, the Seplat JV is providing participants with mobile data access throughout the course duration.

Chioma Afe, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, welcomed participants and emphasised the strategic importance of their roles as “agents of change.” Delivering a session on ‘Communication for Change – Teachers as Agents of Change,’ she shared the powerful “7 Cs of communication”—clarity, conciseness, consideration, completeness, courtesy, concreteness, and correctness—urging teachers to embody professionalism, leadership, and empathy in their daily practice.

The event also had strong government representation. On behalf of Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, lauded the Seplat JV initiative. Calling the training a rare privilege, he told teachers, “These are the kinds of lecture packages people go to Dubai and pay top dollar for.” He assured that the state would track participant progress and reward those who complete the programme, underlining the vital role teachers play in shaping society.

Dr. Steve Ojeh, Seplat Energy’s Director of Corporate Services, delivered a rousing presentation on ‘Leadership and Self Development,’ urging participants to cultivate curiosity, embrace continuous learning, and pursue excellence with intention and ambition.

Following the Edo session (July 28–29), the Delta State onboarding was held from July 31 to August 1 at the Miriam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba. Representing Delta’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, the Director of Schools, Ighavbota Winifred, praised the Seplat JV’s consistent investment in teacher capacity. She reminded participants that societal issues often stem from foundational gaps in education, adding, “The quality of education today determines the society we build tomorrow.”

Launched in 2020, STEP has now empowered over 1,334 teachers and CIEs across Edo and Delta States. The initiative combines STEAM-focused training, leadership development, emotional intelligence, and digital preparedness to support holistic educator development. The onboarding workshops also include collaborative project design, where participants craft school-based interventions to implement during the mentorship phase.

STEP’s impact has been widely acknowledged, with past alumni contributing to improved student performance and innovative teaching across both states. The 2025 cohort now joins a growing network of educators being positioned not just as classroom instructors, but as community leaders and nation builders.

With the new onboarding successfully concluded, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV continues to set the bar for private-sector-led interventions in Nigeria’s education sector—advancing the goals of SDG 4 and supporting the broader national vision for quality, equitable educationAs part of its 2025 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has commenced a new chapter in teacher training and development by onboarding 650 teachers and Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) from Edo and Delta States.

Kicking off with a dynamic two-day workshop in Benin City, this year’s STEP cohort marks a significant stride toward transforming classroom learning through the upskilling of educators. With 325 participants each from Edo and Delta States, the selection process was highly competitive, drawing over 4,666 applications.

The onboarding workshop, a vital foundation for the four-month virtual training programme, introduced participants to the STEP structure, equipped them with android tablets, and established collaborative learning frameworks. The training culminates in a Microsoft certification, further positioning the educators as 21st-century teaching professionals. To support uninterrupted learning, the Seplat JV is providing participants with mobile data access throughout the course duration.

Chioma Afe, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, welcomed participants and emphasised the strategic importance of their roles as “agents of change.” Delivering a session on ‘Communication for Change – Teachers as Agents of Change,’ she shared the powerful “7 Cs of communication”—clarity, conciseness, consideration, completeness, courtesy, concreteness, and correctness—urging teachers to embody professionalism, leadership, and empathy in their daily practice.

The event also had strong government representation. On behalf of Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, lauded the Seplat JV initiative. Calling the training a rare privilege, he told teachers, “These are the kinds of lecture packages people go to Dubai and pay top dollar for.” He assured that the state would track participant progress and reward those who complete the programme, underlining the vital role teachers play in shaping society.

Dr. Steve Ojeh, Seplat Energy’s Director of Corporate Services, delivered a rousing presentation on ‘Leadership and Self Development,’ urging participants to cultivate curiosity, embrace continuous learning, and pursue excellence with intention and ambition.

Following the Edo session (July 28–29), the Delta State onboarding was held from July 31 to August 1 at the Miriam Babangida Leisure Park in Asaba. Representing Delta’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, the Director of Schools, Ighavbota Winifred, praised the Seplat JV’s consistent investment in teacher capacity. She reminded participants that societal issues often stem from foundational gaps in education, adding, “The quality of education today determines the society we build tomorrow.”

Launched in 2020, STEP has now empowered over 1,334 teachers and CIEs across Edo and Delta States. The initiative combines STEAM-focused training, leadership development, emotional intelligence, and digital preparedness to support holistic educator development. The onboarding workshops also include collaborative project design, where participants craft school-based interventions to implement during the mentorship phase.

STEP’s impact has been widely acknowledged, with past alumni contributing to improved student performance and innovative teaching across both states. The 2025 cohort now joins a growing network of educators being positioned not just as classroom instructors, but as community leaders and nation builders.

With the new onboarding successfully concluded, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV continues to set the bar for private-sector-led interventions in Nigeria’s education sector—advancing the goals of SDG 4 and supporting the broader national vision for quality, equitable education