As part of its continuous investment in the education sector, the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has commissioned three multi-million naira new state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories in Benin City, Edo State.
The laboratories were located at the Niger College, Army Day Secondary School, and Oba Akenzua Secondary School in Ikpoba Okha and Oredo Local Government Areas respectively.
The new commissioned laboratories so far brought the total number of STEAM Labs established in the State by the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture to six.
Three were earlier established at Ihogbe College, New Era College and Edo Boys High School, all in Benin City, to deepen the JV’s investment in education across its host communities.
Speaking during the handling over the Laboratories to the Edo State Ministry of Education in Benin City,
Chioma Afe, the Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy said they are designed to foster the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative skills among the students, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st Century.
Afe, opined that the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach to learning is a holistic and interdisciplinary ones that encourages students to explore the connections between different subjects, igniting their curiosity and creativity.
While thanking the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo for providing the enabling environment for the partners to deliver such strategic interventions in education, she commended the NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture for collaborating with the Edo State Ministry of Education to provide quality education in the state.
“The STEAM Labs, which are fully equipped with modern educational tools including computer systems, internet access and subject-specific materials, aim to revolutionize the way Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics are taught in secondary schools.
“The STEAM Lab initiative reaffirms Seplat Energy’s commitment to building the next generation of innovators, engineers, scientists and creative thinkers”, she said.
On his part, Governor Okpebholo, commended Seplat Energy and NEPL for not just investing in securing a better future for Edo people through education, but also for speedy delivery and supporting the Governor’s moniker as the “Education-loving governor of Edo State.”
Okpebholo represented by Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, the State Commissioner for Education, however, charged the students and the school authorities not just to make good use of the equipment but to guard them jealously.
The Governor described the laboratories as a proof of the strategic partnership between Seplat Energy and the Edo State Government and the people, assuring that he would stop at nothing to sustain, in pursuit of his vision to ensure that every Edo child has access to quality education.
In his remarks, Paul Omenogor,
Deputy Manager, Sustainability, NEPL, charged the students, school authorities and host communities to maximise the use of the facilities and safeguard them so as to encourage the JV partners to make more similar investments in the state.
Also speaking, Andrew Ijegbai, Edo State Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, lauded the JV partners for the great work they have done, both in supporting the vision of the State Governor and investing in quality education for the citizens.
In their separate remarks, Godwin Idemudia, Osemwenkhae Ezeilekhae, and Ipogah Michael, principals of Niger College, Army Day Secondary School, and Oba Akenzua Secondary School, respectively, expressed great delight in Seplat/NEPL JV’s investment in science and technology equipment in their various schools.
The principals who commended the oil and gas giant company for the interventions, describe the investment as a game-changer for students and teachers alike.
