SEPLAT unveils STEP initiative to drive quality education

Adebayo Obajemu

Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc has continued to make loud Its commitment to driving improved standard of education in the country, particularly for its host states as it introduces the SEPLAT Teachers Empowerment Programme, STEP initiative targeted at secondary school teachers

The STEP initiative aims to promote Teacher’s creative thinking, allow for higher student engagement, and offer a well-rounded education for recipients of the programme.

The maiden STEP made its debut in Benin City, Edo State, on November 23, 2020, and lasted five days for the first phase.

The five-day residential Workshop introductory phase kicks off a six-month programme specially designed for teachers providing them training on teaching applications for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, STEAM as well as leadership and self-improvement training.

The training continues online over six months with Teachers receiving customised training modules on efficient pedagogical methods for STEAM education, as well as leadership and self-improvement training. Seplat developed an Online Teachers Resource Centre which provides the Teachers access to inclusive learnings highlighting best techniques and practices for implementing STEAM teaching methods and assists Teachers to learn to use such methods in the classrooms.

The E-Platform will provide and connect Teachers to a collection of STEAM resources to enable them to understand, teach and demonstrate effectively to their students. Seplat supports the Teachers with the provision of electronic devices and internet data for the period of training.

The General Manager, External Affairs and Communications, SEPLAT, Dr Chioma Nwachuku, said a total of one hundred (100) Teachers and 43 Chief Inspectors of Education, CIEs drawn from Edo and Delta States are benefitting from this maiden edition.’’ Seplat is delighted with the invaluable role the Company is playing with enhancing the quality of education with the many educational programmes offered through the Company’s CSR initiatives. With the STEP programme, the company now has a full boutique of programmes to address the entire education value chain. Our programmes now cover improving school infrastructure, enhancing academic performance of students and building the skills and competencies of Teachers’’.

The company recently concluded another flagship educational programme, Seplat PEARLs Quiz, which had 574 participating schools drawn from Edo and Delta States. The competition aims to promote and reward academic excellence amongst Secondary School students; it runs for six months with the students and Schools earnestly contest to win the much-coveted prizes.

Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer, SEPLAT, stated: “Seplat has invested significantly in various educational Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR programmes which support Sustainable Development Goals, Goal 4, because of our strong belief that education is the bedrock for national growth. Worldwide, having a team of competent teachers is a critical success factor for achieving quality education. Our STEP programme, therefore, aims to enhance Teachers’ competencies and empower them with the knowledge and skills to deploy STEAM education, amongst other benefits. STEAM education is crucial in creating a strong educational foundation for students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics”. Seplat is committed to providing this programme annually because of its relevance, he affirmed.

The officials of Edo State Ministry of Education, Edo State Ministry of Science & Technology and Delta State Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education, respectively, expressed their delight to collaborate with SEPLAT on this exciting initiative because of the multiplier effects it would have on Secondary education. They provided tremendous support to ensure the success of the maiden edition.

SEPLAT will be graduating the first set of Teachers from the STE