Seplat Teachers Empowerment Program (STEP)

Program Overview

The Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) continues to support teachers with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students across Nigeria. A collaboration between Seplat Energy and NNPC Ltd, STEP focuses on strengthening teachers’ capacity in critical thinking, leadership, self-improvement and the practical application of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) in the classroom. Since its inception, the programme has empowered 1,334 teachers from public and private secondary schools across Edo and Delta States. In 2025, which marked the fifth cohort of the programme, reached an additional 650 teachers. Training sessions were held in Edo State from July 28–29 and in Delta State from July 31–August 1, bringing the programme’s total number of teachers reached to nearly 2,000. As a strategic partner to Seplat Energy, Wootlab Foundation has contributed to the 2024 and 2025 editions of STEP by supporting the programme’s digital learning and capacity-building components. This has included developing customised learning pathways on the Microsoft Community Training (MCT) platform, deploying digital courses covering areas such as productivity tools, generative AI, soft skills, digital marketing and entrepreneurship, and facilitating interactive learning sessions during the physical workshops. During the 2025 edition, Wootlab Foundation led sessions focused on helping teachers understand how digital tools can improve classroom efficiency and address everyday challenges in both public and private school environments. Teachers were introduced to practical tools they could immediately incorporate into their teaching, alongside a hands-on onboarding session on the Microsoft Community Training platform to encourage self-paced and continuous learning beyond the physical training. The programme also provided participating teachers with tablets and digital accessories to support their continued learning and application of digital skills. Beyond technology, the training covered leadership, effective communication, recycling and sustainability, reflecting the programme’s broader focus on developing well-rounded educators. An important feature of STEP 2025 was the opportunity for teachers to develop entrepreneurial projects using locally sourced recyclable materials from their classrooms. Through this activity, teachers were encouraged to think creatively about local challenges, develop practical solutions and explore opportunities for additional income while contributing to more sustainable communities. The most innovative projects received cash prizes For Wootlab Foundation, our contribution to STEP reflects our commitment to strengthening education through digital skills and scalable capacity-building initiatives. By equipping teachers with relevant tools, knowledge and confidence, we support a multiplier effect that extends beyond the individual educator to the students and communities they serve. Through partnerships such as STEP, Wootlab Foundation continues to support the development of educators who are better equipped to navigate a rapidly changing digital world and prepare the next generation for the opportunities ahead.