Niger Delta
206 Edo, Delta Teachers To Learn STEM By Application
Two hundred teachers and six Chief Inspectors of Education (CIE) in Edo and Delta states are undergoing comprehensive training to overhaul their pedagogical skills
The training, which began with a three-day workshop penultimate week in Benin City, will last three months and be followed by the establishment of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) clubs in the schools of the teachers.
An initiative of SEPLAT Energy Plc, an indigenous energy company, in collaboration with Joint Venture partner, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the Seplat JV Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) was developed to address gaps that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has identified in public and private school teachers teaching at the basic education level.
Speaking of the programme in Benin, the Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, SEPLAT, Dr Chioma Nwachukwu, said the teachers would learn how to apply 21st century skills, lesson notes preparations, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and how to use the Seplat STEM App.
Nwachukwu, who was represented by Seplat’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Mrs. Esther Icha, said the training was robust because education had gone beyond the teacher giving all the concept in class.
She said: “They are now going to apply learning and demonstration, and that is why the STEM training is very critical in nation building.
“Teachers will be trained on modern learning techniques, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and the lesson notes,” she said.
Nwachukwu added that the training was expected to end after three months with an award of certificates to successful teachers next February.
She said Seplat expects teachers who have gone through the training to set up a STEM club in their various schools – with the hope of inspiring puils to come up with innovative solutions to contemporary problems.
“The STEM clubs will usher in an exhibition where the use of STEM to proffer solution to world problems will be showcased”, she said.
Officials of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Edo State Ministry of Science and Technology and Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education present at the training said they were happy to collaborate with SEPLAT on the project.
Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Education, Stellamaris Imasuen, said the initiative aligned with the Edo government’s vision for education.
Imasuen, who was represented by the Executive Director, Science Vocational and Technical Education, Odegua Kushe, said the state was already seeing the impact of the training on the first batch of teachers trained last year under the project.
“The impact of the training, which Seplat started last year, is evident in the increase in the number of students participating in science and technology competitions at both local and international levels,” she said.
On her part, the Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Rose Ezewu, praised the company for partnering with government to equip teachers with modern techniques for improved teaching and learning.
Ezewu, represented by the Director of School Services, Ufuoma Oduma, said the training had addressed a gap created by non-adaptation of modern technology in the teaching process.
Also speaking, Managing Director, NPDC, Alli Zahra, represented by Bassey Etim Bassey, said the training was necessary because of the critical role that teachers play in nation-building.
Some of the participants said the training would give opportunity to change how they teach.
EJoma Emiliana, a CIE from Oshimili South LGA, Delta State said the programme had enhanced her knowledge as a supervisor.
“This programme has increased and enhanced my knowledge. Thanks to Seplat for coming to better my ideas in different ways,” she said.
Another participant, Godfrey Edobholo, a teacher from the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Uromi, Edo State, said he appreciated the empowerment programme which he described as awesome.
He said: “We have seen how our minds have been refined because a mind refined is a life transformed. We have seen how important it is because as a teacher, you are a leader.
“We have seen the bridge and the link between a teacher and a leader because leadership itself is programming to securing the present which is the now and also capturing the future. So generally, the Seplat empowerment programme is for us to secure the future of our children which is our students and also capture the future because if you trained a child, you have educated a nation.”
The Tide learnt that selection of teachers for this year’s training was stiff – with 874 teachers in Edo and Delta states taking an online test from which the 206 participants were selected. The beneficiaries were drawn from 28 schools each from both states – with a ratio of five teachers for each public school, and two from each private school.
Recall that for the maiden edition of the STEP initiative STEP initiative last year, 389 teachers from Edo and Delta states took the online qualification test on September 16, 2020.
On November 23, 2020, 143 participants comprising 100 secondary school teachers and 43 CIEs began with an initial five-day physical training, followed by a virtual training using an online platform designed specifically for the programme.
The Tide learnt that the election was conducted after 55 years of interregnum over the stool.
Otakeme is the closest neighbouring community to Otabagi, host community of the Oloibiri Oil wells where oil and gas were first struck in commercial quantity in West Africa.
Speaking with Journalists shortly after a close door meeting with community stakeholders midweek, the monarch-elect promised to lead a consultative reign.
He, however, expressed regrets that the community which boasts of an array of intellectuals and major elites across boards had remained without a monarch for so long, and promised to partner indigenes of all walks of life from the community in the discharge of the duties of his royal office.
While pleading with stakeholders and community elites to consolidate on the existing peace in the community, he added that already he has initiated a consultation tour of major cities and towns across the country to meet with indigene of the community in the diaspora.
“It’s sad that our community, Otakeme, has been without a king for 55 years. Otakeme is supposed to be one of the communities in Ogbia that others should emulate in terms of communal living, but regrettably we’ve lost a lot due to disunity which resulted in the absence of a paramount ruler for this long number of years.
“We’ve begun a diaspora consultation with stakeholders to solidify our unity and continue on the path of development. There is a lot to do for our people, and I want to assure everyone from the community that we’ll work together to develop Otakeme community”, he said.
Meanwhile, the monarch-elect has called on youths of the community to maintain peace and tranquility, saying his emergence signals a new era of innovation, peace, development and unity in the ancient community.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said staff welfare remains a central priority of the Board and Management, describing employees as the institutional memory and driving force of the Commission.
Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, Ogbuku congratulated the recipients for their years of meritorious service and commended them for their commitment, which, he said, had contributed significantly to the Commission’s achievements over the years.
He noted that the awards were not only a celebration of longevity in service, but also a recognition of the dedication, professionalism and mentorship demonstrated by the recipients in helping to strengthen the Commission.
“The awardees have devoted decades of their lives to the NDDC, mentoring younger colleagues and playing vital roles in addressing the challenges confronting the Commission.
“Today, we celebrate your dedication, loyalty and commitment to service”, he said.
Ogbuku added: “We are proud of your achievements and grateful for your immense contributions. Each of you has helped shape our processes and our success story. We thank you for investing your talents and time in advancing the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.”
Also speaking, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, praised the award recipients for serving the Commission and the Niger Delta with distinction, noting that the recognition reflected years of exemplary service, unwavering commitment and professional excellence.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Director of Education, Health and Social Services, Dr. Awele Chukwudifu, expressed appreciation to the Executive Management for the recognition, describing the award as a source of motivation and encouragement.
She said the honour would inspire staff to remain committed to the Commission’s mandate of driving sustainable development across the Niger Delta region while sustaining excellence in service delivery.
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He said no amount of intimidation, political persecution or propaganda would deter him from pursuing what he described as the collective struggle to rescue the nation’s democratic values.
In a lengthy message of appreciation to his supporters, Dickson expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa West, Bayelsa State, the Ijaw Nation, and Nigerians at home and abroad for their steadfast support, solidarity and prayers throughout what he called his political journey to strengthen the country’s opposition.
The senator said for the past eight months he had remained away from home while focusing on building the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which he described as “the biggest national opposition party” in Nigeria.
He credited the party’s rapid growth to the commitment of its members, candidates and political partners, particularly the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“I thank God Almighty for His grace and strength. I also thank our party officers at every level and Nigerians across political divides for their confidence, trust and unwavering support”, Dickson said.
He stated that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected, insisting that the survival of a vibrant multi-party system was essential to the country’s future.
According to him, ongoing legal battles and what he termed “contrived anti-democratic shenanigans” would ultimately fail, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law and resist attempts to undermine democratic institutions.
The former governor also accused unnamed political figures whom he said he had helped to attain positions of authority of turning against him by allegedly weaponising state institutions, removing political opponents from office, victimising innocent citizens and spreading propaganda.
Despite what he described as nearly seven years of sustained persecution against him, his family and supporters, Dickson said the loyalty of his followers had remained unshaken.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace politics driven by ideas, conviction and principles rather than personal gain, appointments or what he called “stomach infrastructure.”
He said the enduring legacy he hoped to leave behind was a generation courageous enough to reject injustice, defend truth and demand accountability from leaders.
Dickson announced plans to return to Bayelsa in the coming weeks alongside the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Moses Cleopas, to personally appreciate party members and supporters across the state.
He called on citizens to reject violence and intimidation, urging them instead to participate actively in peaceful democratic processes and protect the sanctity of their votes.
The senator warned that politicians who relied on intimidation, abuse of state institutions and violence would ultimately be rejected by the electorate.
Reflecting on his political career, Dickson said he had weathered nearly two decades of investigations, allegations, political conspiracies and intimidation, yet continued to emerge stronger.
He argued that despite governing Bayelsa during a period marked by severe economic recession, his administration recorded lasting achievements across critical sectors and laid a solid foundation for the state’s development.
“I have seen it all and survived it all. The God who has stood by me has not abandoned me. He remains on His throne, watching and judging the actions of all men”, he declared.
Dickson concluded by praying for God’s continued blessings upon the NDC, Bayelsa State and Nigeria, while expressing confidence that justice, democracy and the will of the people would ultimately prevail.
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