The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has inaugurated two fully equipped state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories in Asagba Mixed Secondary School and Zappa Basic Secondary School, both in Asaba, to the Delta State government.
The Joint Venture also reemphasised commitment to improving quality education with sustained investment in teacher development, by empowering 500 teachers in the state with contemporary STEAM-based teaching skills.
Speaking, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe 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.
The director, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Esther Icha, said the initiatives formed part of the JV partners’ efforts to promote more creative, practical and student-centred learning in schools.
“Through these laboratories, our students will not only learn theories, they will experiment, design, create, test-ideas and build real confidence to solve real life problems.
“Today, the NEPL/Seplat JV is delighted to formally handover these STEAM Laboratories to the state Ministry of Education. This moment represents more than just the inauguration of a room filled with equipment; it represents a strong investment in the future of our students, our schools and our state,” she said.
On the rationale and expected impact, Afe explained: “STEAM, 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 the state to seven, expressing gratitude to the government, the JV partner and the various school authorities that made the project possible.
Afe expressed optimism that the laboratories will make the desired impacts on the relevant stakeholders, including the students, schools and the society at large.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibuogwu, commended Seplat Energy for its sustained investment in education and other areas in the state.
The commissioner urged the students to make judicious use of the STEAM Laboratories, while approaching the future with confidence.
He also charged them not to be afraid of failure, because “many great inventors failed many times before they succeeded.”
On her part, Honourable Bridget Anyafulu, member representing Oshimili South constituency in the state house of assembly, commended oil giant for donating laboratories to schools in the area.
She recounted other strong investments of the JV partners in education, including the NNPC/Seplat JV PEARLs Quiz, which she noted encourages bright minds and has been consistently won by public schools, adding that the laboratories would encourage practical learning in public schools and improve learning outcomes.
Anyafulu noted that meaningful development requires private-sector participation, describing investment in education as a long-term investment in peace and prosperity.
Principal, Asagba Secondary School, Asaba, Mrs Stella Ajufo, expressed appreciation to the 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 were trained on how to use the laboratory equipment.
The teachers, she added, would share their knowledge with other teachers in the school to promote wider utilisation of the facility.
Earlier, Afe, who was represented by the Senior Manager, Brands, Sponsorship and PR, Seplat Energy Plc, Emmanuel Otokhine, reassured of the JV’s commitment to continuous 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.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune