Imge: Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe; former Commissioner for Education, Edo State, Dr. Paddy Iyamu; General Manager, Corporate Social Investment & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Esther Icha; and other dignitaries at the commissioning of two Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories by the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture built at the Ogbe and Uselu Secondary Schools in Oredo and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas of Edo State … on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Benin City, Edo State.
In a strategic move to strengthen science education and promote innovation in Nigeria, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Plc Joint Venture has commissioned two state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories in Edo State.
The newly completed facilities, located at Ogbe Secondary School in Oredo Local Government Area and Uselu Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, were officially unveiled in Benin City on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
The commissioning of the STEAM laboratories marks a significant milestone in advancing STEM/STEAM education in Nigeria, particularly in public secondary schools. The initiative is designed to enhance practical learning, foster creativity, and equip students with critical problem-solving skills required in a rapidly evolving global economy.
One of the Commissioned STEAM Labs
Speaking at the event, Mrs Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy Plc, revealed that the Joint Venture has now successfully built and commissioned nine STEAM laboratories in Edo State, bringing the total number across Edo and Delta States to 14.
She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to educational development, youth empowerment, and sustainable community investment.
“The STEAM Lab initiative is designed to integrate science and technology more deeply into basic and secondary education. It enables both students and teachers to apply theoretical knowledge through hands-on learning experiences,” Afe stated.
A key feature of the laboratories is their integration of solar-powered energy systems, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply and enabling continuous learning regardless of grid limitations—an important step toward energy access in education.
Afe further noted that the Joint Venture has implemented several impactful educational programmes in the region, including:
- The Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP)
- The Seplat Pearls Quiz Competition
- STEAM laboratory development
- Community access-to-energy projects
She also assured stakeholders that similar educational infrastructure projects would be expanded to other operational states.
Also speaking, Mr Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, represented by Mr Reginald Duke, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
According to him, the laboratories are purpose-built to nurture:
- Innovation and creativity
- Critical thinking skills
- Technical competencies in STEAM disciplines
“Investing in education is one of the most impactful ways to shape the future of our youth and the nation. These facilities will help prepare students for success in a fast-changing world,” he said.
Education stakeholders and government representatives commended the NEPL/Seplat JV for its consistent commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Dr. Paddy Iyamu, a former Commissioner for Education, Edo State, described the STEAM laboratories as one of the most valuable investments in the future of Nigerian children.
“This is a model of responsible corporate citizenship. We encourage other organizations operating in Edo State to emulate this level of commitment to education and community development,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Edith Ebomoyi, Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement in the state’s drive to improve educational outcomes and prepare students for future opportunities.
In their remarks, school administrators, including Mrs Itohanmwen Augustina and Mrs Obaretin Osayanmo, expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged to ensure proper maintenance, security, and optimal use of the facilities.
They affirmed that the laboratories would significantly enhance teaching and learning outcomes while fostering student interest in science and technology fields.
The NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture continues to position itself as a key driver of sustainable development, education innovation, and energy-powered social impact in Nigeria.
By investing in STEAM education infrastructure, the partnership is not only improving access to quality education but also nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators essential for national growth.
