NEPL/Seplat JV commissions 2 STEAM labs, trains 500 teachers in Delta state

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has commissioned and handed over two fully equipped Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories to the Delta state government as part of efforts to strengthen practical learning and improve educational outcomes in the state.

The laboratories are located at Asagba Mixed Secondary School and Zappa Basic Secondary School, both in Asaba.

The Joint Venture also trained 500 teachers across Delta state in contemporary STEAM-based teaching skills, reaffirming its commitment to teacher development and quality education.

Speaking on behalf of the NEPL/Seplat JV, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, Esther Icha, said the interventions were strategic investments in the future generation and aimed at contributing to the development of a better society.

Afe said the projects were designed to promote creative, practical and student-centred learning, stressing that students would have the opportunity to experiment, design, create and test ideas rather than rely solely on theoretical knowledge.

She said the handover of the laboratories represented more than the provision of equipment, describing it as an investment in the future of students, schools and Delta State.

According to her, STEAM education had become essential to innovation, problem-solving, creativity and sustainable development in the modern world.

Afe disclosed that the latest facilities had brought the number of STEAM laboratory interventions by the Joint Venture in Delta State to seven.

She expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government, partner organisations and school authorities for their support in ensuring the successful implementation of the projects.

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the event, the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, commended Seplat Energy for its sustained investment in education and other sectors of the state.

Ashibuogwu urged the students to make judicious use of the laboratories and approach the future with confidence, advising them not to be discouraged by failure.

He noted that many great inventors had failed several times before eventually achieving success.

The commissioner also disclosed that measures had been put in place to secure the facilities, including the installation of CCTV cameras and linkages with relevant security agencies.

Also speaking, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency in the Delta state House of Assembly, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, commended Seplat Energy for donating the laboratories to schools in the area.

Anyafulu recalled other educational initiatives of the JV partners, including the NNPC/Seplat JV PEARLs Quiz, which she said had continued to encourage academic excellence, with public schools consistently recording strong performances.

She said the STEAM laboratories would promote practical learning and improve learning outcomes in public schools.

The lawmaker stressed that meaningful development required active private-sector participation, describing investment in education as a long-term investment in peace and prosperity.

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

Ajufo assured that the laboratory would be effectively utilised and maintained for the benefit of the students.

She disclosed that seven teachers from the school had participated in the JV’s STEP workshop, where they received training on the use of the laboratory equipment.

According to her, the trained teachers would share their knowledge with other members of staff to promote wider utilisation of the facility.

Earlier, during the STEP onboarding ceremony for 500 teachers, Afe, represented by Emmanuel Otokhine, Senior Manager, Brands, Sponsorship and PR, Seplat Energy Plc, reaffirmed the JV’s commitment to continuous investment in education and teacher development.

She described teachers as a critical success factor in any education system, stressing that transforming students’ learning outcomes required first investing in teachers.

Afe said the STEP programme went beyond conventional teacher training, describing it as a “step up” for classrooms, students, host communities and the country.

She explained that the programme was designed to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills required to respond to changing educational needs, particularly as curricula, technology and teaching methods continue to evolve.

“Education is changing daily. This programme is to equip you with what you need to meet the changing trends,” she said.

Afe also explained that the inclusion of Arts in the STEAM model was aimed at strengthening creative thinking, design and human empathy alongside scientific and mathematical knowledge.

She said the approach would move students beyond rote learning and memorisation towards creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

She added that the programme was also designed to make classrooms places of discovery where students could actively engage with what they were learning and connect classroom concepts with real-world challenges.

The 2026 interventions, according to the Joint Venture, reflect its continued investment in education through teacher development and practical learning infrastructure, with the goal of strengthening educator capacity, improving learning outcomes and equipping students with the skills required to become innovators, problem-solvers and future leaders.