As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to its host communities, over 350 teachers drawn from Edo and Delta States have been trained by Seplat/NNPC E&P during the 4th edition of the Seplat/Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).

The programme, held in Benin City, was geared towards equipping teachers with skills to effectively deliver knowledge to students in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

Speaking at the event, Seplat Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Chioma Afe, explained that STEAM was to improve self-awareness and knowledge of teachers.

She said, “Beyond that, we want to re-orient our teachers. STEAM helps creativity. We can teach Science to students creatively,” adding “teacher’s leadership is the process where our teachers collaborate with others to improve teaching to impact teachers.”

Afe, also noted that the programme would enable teachers to become advocates in their profession.

In his speech, Adviser, Community Relations, Levi Owunari, who represented the Managing Director, NNPC E&P Limited, thanked Seplat for its unalloyed support for the sustained growth and progress of the company’s oil and gas exploration pursuits.

According to him, “It is our pleasure as an organisation in partnership with SEPLAT to roll out the STEP Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme for our host communities.

“This programme is one of our CSR initiatives designed to provide and build the capacity of Teachers residing within the NNPC E&P Limited/SEPLAT operational communities.

“The CSR initiative aims to promote quality education in Nigeria through the training of secondary school Teachers in critical thinking, leadership and improving their competence to teach students through the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Methodology. Today marks the kick-off of the programme for the year 2023.”

Commenting on the training programme, one of the beneficiaries, Beauty Tsenuwa said, “As I am here, am better than I came.”

Similarly, another beneficiary, Precious Awarita said: “As I speak to you now, Seplat runs in my veins.”