The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has commissioned two Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories built at the Ogbe and Uselu Secondary Schools in Oredo and Ikpoba Okha Local Government Areas of Edo State
The laboratories which were commissioned in Benin, the Edo State Capital aim to drive educational sustainability in State and promote excellence amongst students.
Speaking at the commissioning, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Mrs Chioma Afe
said the Joint Venture has so far built and commissioned nine STEAM Laboratories in the state; thus increasing the numbers of STEAM laboratories so far established in Edo and Delta State to 14. She said the STEAM Labs were part of the organization’s commitment to sustaining education in Edo and Delta States, while assuring that the same development would soon be extended to other states where the company operates.
According to her, the Joint Venture had successfully executed various educational programs in the States, which include the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Program, the Pearls Quiz competition, inclusive of the STEAM Labs and Access to Energy Projects.
Afe said: “The STEAM Lab is one where we want to further inculcate STEAM within the curriculum of basic education and secondary schools.
“The NNPC Limited and Seplat Energy took a decision years ago to start to put in place STEAM Labs. This allows the children and the teachers to practically use all the learnings that they have taken from the various activities and programs.”
Afe added that the laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and solar power to ensure that the centres have 24- hour constant power.
She commended the Edo State Government for providing the enabling environment, and NEPL for their support in the establishment of the laboratories.
While assuring that the gesture would be extended to other parts of the state, she, however, urged the teachers and students of the benefiting schools to make judicious use of the facilities as well as protect them against misuse and vandalism.
In the same vein, the Managing Director of NEPL, Mr. Nicolas Foucart, said the laboratories are designed to promote practical learning, creativity, critical thinking, and innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Foucart represented by Mr. Reginald Duke, Lead Community Relations Western Assets, NEPL, noted that the expectation of the management is that the laboratories would help equip students with relevant skills to succeed in a fast-changing world.
The former Commissioner for Education, Edo State, Dr. Paddy Iyamu,
described the STEAM Labs as one of the best investments any investor can make in the life of the Nigerian children.
