The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has commissioned and handed over two fully equipped, state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories to the Delta State Government as part of its sustained investment in education and human capital development.

The laboratories, located at Asagba Mixed Secondary School and Zappa Basic Secondary School, both in Asaba, are designed to promote practical, innovative and student-centred learning while equipping young people with the skills required to compete effectively in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The Joint Venture also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the quality of education in Delta State through sustained teacher development, announcing that 500 teachers across the state have been empowered with contemporary STEAM-based teaching skills.

Speaking at the commissioning and handover ceremony, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Esther Icha, said the initiative reflected the partners’ strategic investment in the future generation.

According to her, the laboratories were established to contribute to building a better society by giving students opportunities to move beyond theoretical classroom learning and engage directly in experimentation, design, creativity and problem-solving.

She said, “Today, the NEPL/Seplat JV is delighted to formally handover these STEAM Laboratories to the Delta State Ministry of Education. This moment represents more than just the commissioning of a room filled with equipment; it represents a strong investment in the future of our students, our schools and our state.

Afe stressed that STEAM education had become central to innovation, creativity and sustainable development, noting that students must be prepared with practical skills to confront real-world challenges.

She said the laboratories would enable students to experiment, design, create, test ideas and develop the confidence required to solve problems in their communities and beyond.

“Through these laboratories, our students will not only learn theories, they will experiment, design, create, test-ideas and build real confidence to solve real life problems,” she stated.

She explained that the latest intervention had brought the number of STEAM laboratories established by the Joint Venture in Delta State to seven, describing the development as part of a broader commitment to improving educational outcomes.

Afe expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government, the JV partners, school authorities and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful delivery of the projects

She expressed optimism that the facilities would have a lasting impact on students, teachers, schools and the wider society by fostering a culture of innovation and practical learning.

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, commended Seplat Energy for its sustained investment in education and other sectors of the state.

The governor urged the students to make judicious use of the newly commissioned facilities and approach their academic and future endeavours with confidence.

Oborevwori also disclosed that security measures had been put in place to safeguard the laboratories and their equipment. He said the facilities had been provided with CCTV surveillance and connections to relevant security agencies.

A member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Oshimili South Constituency, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, also commended Seplat Energy for siting and donating the laboratories to schools in the constituency.

Anyafulu highlighted the company’s broader contribution to education in the state, particularly through initiatives such as the NNPC/Seplat JV PEARLs Quiz, which she said had helped identify and encourage talented students.

She noted that public schools had consistently performed strongly in the competition, describing the STEAM laboratories as another important intervention capable of strengthening practical education and improving learning outcomes in public schools.

According to her, exposing students to modern laboratory equipment and practical learning opportunities would complement conventional classroom teaching and encourage young people to develop innovative solutions to societal challenges.

The Principal of Asagba Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, Stella Ajufo, assured the Joint Venture and the Delta State Government that the school would protect and properly maintain the equipment.

She promised that the laboratory would be put to effective use to ensure that students derived maximum benefit from the new learning environment.

Ajufo disclosed that seven teachers from the school had already participated in the Joint Venture’s STEP workshop, where they were trained on the effective use of the laboratory equipment.