623 Teachers Graduate From Nigeria Energy Training Program

More than 600 teachers and education inspectors in Nigeria's Delta and Edo states just completed a training program that's changing how students learn across the region.

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited and Seplat Energy Joint Venture graduated 623 educators through their 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) at a ceremony in Benin on Monday. The program equipped teachers with digital literacy skills, modern teaching methods, and leadership training designed to boost student outcomes.

"Teach, inspire and transform is not a slogan, it is a responsibility," said Chioma Afe, director of external affairs at Seplat Energy. She urged graduates to bring their new skills into classrooms with confidence and purpose.

The training went beyond theory. Teachers learned STEAM-focused teaching approaches, received technology tools for their classrooms, and participated in structured mentorship programs.

Government officials from both state and federal levels attended the ceremony, calling the initiative crucial for education reform. Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education Kingsley Ashibogwu and Edo State Commissioner for Education Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu praised the program's impact on public education quality.

The Ripple Effect

The program's reach extends far beyond this year's graduates. Since launching in 2020, STEP has now trained 1,957 educators across the two states, creating a growing network of skilled teachers who can share best practices with colleagues.

The graduation ceremony showcased just how transformative the training can be. Three teachers presented innovations they developed during the program at the Teacher Innovation Contest. Stephen Egbeburu created an eco-friendly "fueless" generator concept, Matthew Nwokoye developed new learning solutions, and Faith Igbayo launched Live FaceFoods, all market-ready ideas born from classroom training.

British Council Nigeria's representatives emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development, particularly in digital literacy. Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Sai'd Ahmad urged graduates to share their knowledge widely, noting that the nation's future depends on effective teaching.

Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration affirmed that strengthening teacher quality remains central to the state's human capital development strategy. The private sector partnership demonstrates how companies can invest meaningfully in the communities where they operate.

Nearly 2,000 teachers now carry forward skills that will touch thousands of students for years to come.