…A CSR, Retraining Programme for Teachers in Edo, Delta states
Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc (SEPLAT), a leading indigenous energy company, has launched SEPLAT Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) initiative aimed at promoting teacher’s creative thinking, allow for higher student engagement, and offer a well-rounded education for recipients of the programme.

The program which is targeted at secondary school teachers, is part of effort by Seplat to patronize its host communities in the Niger Delta region. STEP was unveiled in a well attended ceremony in Benin last week made its debut in Benin City, Edo State.

The five-day residential workshop introductory phase kicked 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.

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The training continues online over six months with teachers receiving customized 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 learning, 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, said the general manager, external affairs and communications, SEPLAT, Dr Chioma Nwachuku.

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According to her, 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 GM said.

It will be recalled that the company recently concluded another flagship educational programme, Seplat PEARLs Quiz, which had 574 participating schools drawn from Edo and Delta States. The competition promotes and rewards academic excellence amongst secondary school students. The competition runs for six months.

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Chief executive officer, SEPLAT, Roger Brown, 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,” he said. 

He further informed that SEPLAT will be graduating the first set of teachers from the STEP initiative by first quarter 2021. Three hundred & eighty-nine (389) teachers from schools in Edo and Delta states sat for the qualifying test online on September 16, 2020, and a total of 100 Teachers were selected from secondary schools evenly across the two states.

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Of the 100 Teachers to be trained, 75 per cent are from public schools, while 25 per cent are from private schools.

By Chibisi Ohakah, Abuja


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