NEPL/Seplat inaugurates Labs In Delta, Trains 500 Teachers

Determined to promote more creative, practical and student-centred learning in schools, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has commissioned and handed over two fully equipped state-of-the-art STEAM laboratories in Asagba Mixed Secondary School and Zappa Basic Secondary School, both in Asaba, to the Delta State government.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

The students will not only learn theories but also experiment, design, create, test ideas and build real confidence to solve real-life problems through the donation.

On behalf of the NEPL/Seplat JV, Chioma Afe, director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, represented by Esther Icha, the general manager, Corporate Social Investment & Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, highlighted that the laboratories formed part of its strategic investment in the future generation through quality education.

For the purpose of building a better society, she revealed that the initiatives formed part of the JV partners’ efforts to promote more creative, practical and student-centred learning in schools, adding that “through these laboratories, our students will not only learn theories, but they will experiment, design, create, test ideas, and build real confidence to solve real-life problems”.

Afe said, “Today, the NEPL/Seplat JV is delighted to formally hand over these STEAM Laboratories to the Delta State Ministry of Education. This moment represents more than just the commissioning of a room filled with equipment; it represents a strong investment in the future of our students, our schools and our state.”

On the rationale and expected impact, Afe explained, “STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, is no longer an option in today’s world; it is the foundation for innovation, problem solving, creativity and sustainable development.”

She added that the laboratories brought the number of such interventions in Delta state to seven, expressing gratitude to the state government, the JV partner, and the various school authorities that made the project possible.

Afe expressed optimism that the laboratories will have the desired impact on relevant stakeholders, including students, schools, and society at large.

The Joint Venture also reemphasises its commitment to improving quality education through sustained investment in teacher development, empowering 500 teachers across Delta State with contemporary STEAM-based teaching skills.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, commended Seplat Energy for its sustained investment in education and other areas in the state.

The commissioner encouraged the students to make judicious use of the STEAM Laboratories and to approach the future with confidence, urging them not to fear failure, because “many great inventors failed many times before they succeeded”.

On her part, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Member Representing Oshimili South Constituency, Delta State House of Assembly, commended Seplat Energy for donating laboratories to schools in Oshimili South.

An elated Stella Ajufo, Principal, Adagba Secondary School, Asaba, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government and Seplat Energy for selecting the school as a beneficiary.

She assured that the laboratory would be put to effective use, noting that seven teachers from the school had participated in the JV’s STEP workshop and had been trained to use the laboratory equipment.

Earlier, at the STEM onboarding ceremony for 500 teachers, Afe, represented by Emmanuel Otokhine, Senior Manager, Brands, Sponsorship and PR, Seplat Energy Plc, reassured the teachers of the JV’s commitment to continuous investment in the future generation through quality education to build a better society.