Seplat/NEPL JV invests N100m in host states’ school infrastructure, education development

The management of Seplat Energy PLC, in partnership with the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), says it has invested over N100 million in school infrastructure and educational development across its host states since 2012.

Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy PLC, said the investment was made through the company’s Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders (PEARLS) Quiz Initiative.

Afe, who disclosed this during the 2026 edition of the annual quiz competition for public and private secondary schools in Edo and Delta States held in Benin City, described PEARLS as one of the company’s flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes.

She said the initiative reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to improving education outcomes and nurturing future leaders across Edo and Delta states.

According to her, the competition has grown into one of the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV’s most impactful education initiatives since its launch in 2012.

She noted that the programme had so far impacted more than 57,000 students across the JV’s host States, with over N100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development.

Afe explained that this year’s competition attracted 476 secondary schools, culminating in a keenly contested grand finale that celebrated academic excellence, innovation, confidence and character among young people.

At the end of the competition, the three overall best-performing schools received a total of N18 million in education infrastructure grants to support development projects in their respective schools.

Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State, emerged overall winner and received a N10 million education infrastructure grant and the championship trophy. Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, came second and received N5 million, while Lumen Christi College, Uromi, Edo State, placed third and got N3 million.

“PEARLS is more than a quiz competition. It builds confidence, discipline, leadership and problem-solving skills. To date, the programme has impacted over 57,000 students, with more than N100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development”, she said.

The three participating students from Notre Dame College received N100,000 each, while those from Henson Demonstration School received N75,000 each. Students from Lumen Christi College were rewarded with N50,000 each.

The supervising teachers from the top three schools also received educational support prizes.

Speaking at the event, Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operating Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, said the JV’s education interventions are designed to address foundational gaps and create stronger pathways for young people to thrive.

“Our approach goes beyond conventional educational support. It is about creating opportunities for students, schools and institutions to succeed while building a stronger and globally competitive education system,” he said.

Also speaking, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, commended the partnership and urged participants to focus not only on the prizes but also on the knowledge, discipline and confidence gained through the competition.

He noted that every participant was a winner, adding that the real value lies in the experience gained and how it is applied in future endeavours.

The event also featured a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Innovation Showcase, where students presented practical solutions to real-world problems.

At the showcase, Cradle High School emerged overall winner, while Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy placed second and third respectively, receiving cash prizes of N1 million, N500,000 and N200,000.

Representatives of the Edo and Delta State governments commended the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for sustaining investments that continue to strengthen education, inspire excellence and support youth development.

The management assured that through PEARLS and other education-focused CSI initiatives, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and STEAM laboratories, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV will continue to expand opportunities for young people and contribute to sustainable development across its host communities.