By Our Energy Correspondent
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has described continuous development of teachers as the foundation of education system and essential for national progress.
He stated this on Thursday in Benin, at the graduation ceremony of Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP)’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) training programme.
Alausa who was represented by the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Agatha Ogefere, said STEP program has demonstrated its impact by equipping educators with modern teaching techniques that align with global best practices.
Earlier, Seplat’s Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, disclosed that the programme was geared towards equipping the teachers with skills to effectively deliver knowledge to students in STEAM
“Through initiatives like STEP, we are equipping educators with the necessary tools, skills, and innovative teaching methodologies to foster a more engaging and impactful learning environment.
“To date, the Seplat JV has trained 1,334 teachers across our host states, integrating STEAM education and technology-driven learning approaches that have directly impacted over 100,000 students annually.
“STEP empowers teachers in countless ways: through enhanced experiences, increased motivation, diverse learning opportunities, expanded networks, and greater confidence which translate into better outcomes for students and a stronger education system” she said.
Afe disclosed that 327 are classroom teachers while 15 are Chief Inspectors of Education from the host States.
On her part, a representative of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), Susan Bassey, noted that the success of the STEP program is evident in the testimonies of past participants who have not only enhanced their teaching skills but also leveraged their training in broader capacities.
In her key note address, Professor Yinka Omorogbe (SAN), underscored the urgent need to rethink education workforce policies to drive national development.
According to her, investing in teachers translates into long-term socioeconomic benefits, emphasizing that a well-trained workforce ensures sustainability and progress in education.
The Commissioner of Education in Edo and Delta States, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu and Rose Ezewu, respectively, commended Seplat for their unwavering dedication to educational advancement in the two State.
247nextnews.com reports a total of 342 teachers in Edo and Delta States graduated from training programme organised by Seplat Energy, in collaboration NEPL.
