The Edo State Government has challenged 500 teachers selected for the 2026 Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) to ensure that the knowledge gained from the training translates into better classroom performance and improved student outcomes.
The charge was given by the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Washington Osifo, during the programme’s onboarding workshop in Benin.
Osifo said investments in school infrastructure must be complemented by quality teaching and effective learning outcomes.
“Whereas the form is good, but content is always better,” he said.
According to him, the success of the programme should be measured by the impact participants make when they return to their schools.
“After this investment in training, you are supposed to go back and manifest it. And we will measure it with the results that will proceed from you,” he added.
The commissioner noted that while investments in school facilities have made schools more attractive, educational success ultimately depends on what happens inside the classroom.
He urged teachers to remain committed to the curriculum, avoid shortcuts and help students develop confidence, character and values.
“See yourself and do to them (your students) what you would have loved a teacher to do to you,” he said.
The 2026 STEP cohort will train 500 teachers in Edo State.
According to organisers, the programme has trained more than 2,000 teachers and education evaluators across Edo, Delta and Imo states over the past six years.
Speaking at the event, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, represented by Esther Icha, General Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, said the programme was designed to help teachers keep pace with changes in education.
“Education is changing daily. This programme is to equip you with what you need to meet the changing trends,” Afe said.
She explained that STEP focuses on improving classroom effectiveness, professional development and access to modern teaching methods and learning resources.
Also speaking, Seplat Energy’s Vice President, HR Operations, Emo Udobong-Ntia, encouraged participants to embrace leadership and mentorship roles in their interactions with students.
He delivered a presentation titled “The Case for Teacher Leadership,” highlighting the importance of teacher leadership in today’s education system
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