Seplat Energy JV Empowers Edo and Delta Students with N18m in Educational Support

Seplat Energy Plc, through its joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NNPC E&P Ltd), has awarded scholarships worth N18 million to students from Edo and Delta States as part of its commitment to human capital development and educational empowerment. The initiative, under the Seplat JV Scholarship Scheme, continues to provide financial assistance to exceptional students in host communities, promoting access to quality education and fostering social development.

The scholarship awards, presented during a ceremony in Benin City, highlight the company’s dedication to supporting young Nigerians and strengthening local capacity through sustainable education-driven initiatives. The event brought together community leaders, education stakeholders, government representatives, and Seplat officials, who all commended the company’s long-standing investment in youth development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Sustainability, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, said the scholarship program is a testament to the company’s belief in education as a key driver of societal transformation. She emphasized that the investment in education aligns with Seplat’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda, which focuses on empowering communities and building long-term social value.

“At Seplat Energy, we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for nation-building. Through this scholarship initiative, we are investing in the future of young Nigerians, ensuring that brilliant students from our host communities have access to opportunities that will shape their lives and, in turn, impact society positively,” Dr. Nwachuku said.

She explained that the annual scholarship scheme covers tuition and other academic expenses for selected undergraduate students from Edo and Delta States, particularly those studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-related disciplines. According to her, this focus reflects the company’s interest in nurturing talents who can contribute to Nigeria’s energy sector and broader economic development.

Dr. Nwachuku added that the scholarship program is one of several educational initiatives implemented by Seplat Energy and its joint venture partner. Others include the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), the PEARLs Quiz competition, and the Seplat STEM Club, all designed to enhance learning outcomes and motivate students to pursue excellence.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of NNPC E&P Limited, Mr. Mustapha Yunusa, commended Seplat for its consistent commitment to community development, describing the partnership as a model for sustainable corporate social investment. He noted that by empowering students with financial and educational support, the joint venture is contributing to Nigeria’s future workforce development and reducing educational inequality in host communities.

“Our partnership with Seplat goes beyond oil and gas exploration—it is about shared prosperity. The scholarship scheme demonstrates our joint commitment to giving back to the communities that support our operations. Education remains a cornerstone of our social investment strategy because we recognize its potential to drive progress and stability,” Yunusa stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education, Edo State, Mrs. Joan Osa-Oviawe, lauded Seplat Energy for its consistent contributions to education in the state. She said that initiatives like the Seplat JV Scholarship Scheme complement government efforts to improve access to quality education and bridge learning gaps among students.

“This scholarship program has continued to transform lives in Edo and Delta States. Many beneficiaries have gone on to become professionals contributing meaningfully to society. We commend Seplat for its sustained commitment to education and urge other corporate organizations to emulate this example,” the Commissioner noted.

One of the scholarship beneficiaries, a student of the University of Benin, expressed gratitude to Seplat Energy for the financial relief the award has provided. “This scholarship has lifted a huge burden off my family and given me the motivation to focus more on my studies. I thank Seplat and NNPC for recognizing and supporting students like us,” she said.

Another recipient from Delta State University described the award as a life-changing opportunity. “It has not only eased my academic expenses but also inspired me to give back to my community in the future,” he remarked.

Community leaders from Edo and Delta also praised Seplat Energy and its partners for their continuous investment in human capital. They acknowledged that the scholarship program has significantly improved access to tertiary education and reduced dropout rates among youths from host communities.

Beyond financial support, Seplat Energy has also introduced mentorship components to the scholarship initiative, connecting beneficiaries with professionals in the energy and business sectors. This mentorship, according to the company, helps students gain insights into career development, leadership, and community service.

Dr. Nwachuku revealed that since its inception, the Seplat JV Scholarship Scheme has awarded millions of naira to thousands of students, reinforcing the company’s role as a key advocate of youth empowerment in Nigeria. She assured that the company would continue to expand its educational programs to reach more communities and beneficiaries in the coming years.

“As we continue to grow as a business, we remain steadfast in our resolve to empower the next generation of leaders through education. Our goal is to create opportunities that foster innovation, resilience, and self-reliance among young Nigerians,” she stated.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of award certificates and scholarship cheques to the beneficiaries, who pledged to uphold academic excellence and become ambassadors of the Seplat brand in their respective institutions.

 

Through the N18 million scholarship investment, Seplat Energy and its joint venture partner reaffirm their shared vision of sustainable community development, demonstrating that meaningful corporate social responsibility can drive real, lasting change in the lives of young Nigerians and their communities.