7 hours Ago By Adeyinka Adedipe
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on Thursday, tasked teachers on continuous investment in developing their capacity. This, he said, is crucial for national progress. The minister made this call in Benin at the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV 2025 Seplat education summit, themed “Transforming the Education Workforce: A Critical Success for Nation Building.
” The minister was represented at the event by the Director of Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Agatha Ogefere. He said, “Teachers are the foundation of any education system, and their continuous development is essential for national progress. The STEP program has demonstrated its impact by equipping educators with modern teaching techniques that align with global best practices.
“I commend Seplat JV for its visionary leadership in education reform and congratulate the latest cohort of trained teachers who are now better equipped to implement Nigeria’s evolving curriculum.” In her address, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, stated the importance of capacity building for teachers and educators. Afe said, “We recognize that teachers are the cornerstone of a thriving education system.
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. “Our commitment to teacher empowerment extends beyond training; it is about creating a ripple effect that transforms classrooms. 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.
” Related News FG, govs unite to tackle out-of-school children crisis ANCOPSS, NUT, NAPPS set agenda for new minister Speaking on the impact of the STEP initiative, a representative from NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, Susan Bassey, said that the success of the STEP programme is evident in the testimonies of past participants who have not only enhanced their teaching skills but also leveraged their training in broader capacities. Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, said the summit is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change in our education system.
The Commissioner for Secondary Education, Delta State, Rose Ezewu, represented by the Deputy Director, Secondary Education in the ministry, Justina Ishaka, appreciated the JV, adding that 600 teachers in Delta State have benefited from STEP since its inception in 2020, including 171 teachers in the current cohort. Professor Yinka Omorogbe (SAN), who delivered the keynote address, underscored the urgent need to rethink education workforce policies to drive national development. She highlighted that investing in teachers translates into long-term socioeconomic benefits, emphasising that a well-trained workforce ensures sustainability and progress in education.
Following the keynote, a panel session featuring seasoned educationists and alumni of the STEP explored the importance of continuous investment in education. The panellists shared personal experiences on how STEP has elevated their skills, improved their instructional techniques, and positively influenced both their personal and professional lives. To recognize outstanding contributions, awards were presented to the top 10 teachers, while the top three innovative projects developed during the training received special recognition.
A major highlight of the event was the graduation of 327 teachers and 15 Chief Inspectors of Education from the 2024 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme..
