In Nigeria’s quest for a sustainable educational system that equips graduates with the necessary skills to address economic challenges, the importance of teacher training cannot be overstated. One exemplar of an effective model in this regard is Seplat Energy’s Teachers’ Empowerment Programme (STEP), offering a promising avenue to address skill-matching challenges faced by graduates.
Recently concluded in Benin City, Edo State, Seplat Energy’s STEP initiative underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable development and education in Nigeria. Focusing on empowering teachers, the programme aligns with the pivotal role of the education workforce in nation-building.
John Adams’ philosophy, “A teacher is a maker of man,” resonates deeply in the context of Nigeria’s educational landscape. Teachers lay the foundation for education and civilization, shaping both the present and future. In today’s rapidly evolving world, where education is essential for national progress, initiatives like Seplat Energy’s STEP hold immense significance.
Nigeria’s education system faces significant challenges due to inadequate funding and other associated issues, resulting in half-baked graduates ill-prepared for their professions. Despite UNESCO’s recommendation for Nigeria to allocate 15-20% of its annual budget to education, the actual allocation falls short, reflecting a deviation from commitments to increase education spending.
The country’s education sector is grappling with alarming statistics, including a staggering 20.2 million out-of-school children, highlighting a pressing need for urgent intervention. Seplat Energy’s STEP initiative emerges as a beacon of hope in this landscape, providing transformative educational experiences for teachers in Edo and Delta States since 2019.
Chioma Afe, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Sustainability, emphasized the crucial role of primary and secondary education in laying the groundwork for future learning. However, access to quality early education remains a challenge, hindering children’s ability to pursue higher education or enter the workforce.
Sam Ezugworie, Seplat’s Chief Operating Officer, underscored the importance of developing Nigeria’s youth, lamenting the decline in the country’s education system. Collaborating with corporate organizations like Seplat Energy is essential for revitalizing Nigeria’s education sector, with initiatives like STEP offering a scalable model for national adoption.
Since its inception, Seplat has trained over 1,300 teachers in STEAM subjects across Edo and Delta states, demonstrating its commitment to workforce development. Akin-Olusoji Akinyele, Group Managing Director at NewGlobe, emphasized the need for an improved education system, which could bolster GDP growth by at least 0.5% annually.
To achieve transformative goals and increase the number of qualified educators by 2030, Nigeria must leverage initiatives like Seplat’s STEP programme. By prioritizing teacher training and collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions, and government bodies, Nigeria can unlock its educational workforce’s full potential and drive positive change nationwide.
