Seplat Energy Plc, a Nigerian-based energy firm, has reiterated its dedication to enhancing education and shaping the future workforce of Africa. The company highlighted the importance of fostering stronger partnerships among government bodies, the private sector, and development partners to establish sustainable educational systems throughout the continent.
It made its position known at the 2026 Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS), where it sponsored the plenary session, Powering Africa’s Future: Private Sector Leadership in Education Transformation.
The session brought together policymakers, business leaders, development partners, academics and education stakeholders to explore how strategic partnerships, digital innovation and investment in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) can prepare young Africans for the future of work.
The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr. Roger Brown, through Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, expressed that the company’s alliance with ASIS underscores its dedication to creating significant impact through collaboration.
Partnering with the Africa Social Impact Summit allows us to work alongside organizations that align with our vision for transforming education across the nation. It’s a move from dialogue to tangible action, he stated.
Brown noted that Seplat Energy continues to invest in educational development across its host communities in Edo, Delta and Imo states, with plans to extend its interventions to Akwa Ibom State.
These investments according to the authority span basic and secondary education, tertiary scholarships, teacher empowerment programmes, STEAM education through the company’s Access to Energy initiative and STEAM laboratories, as well as the Seplat Innovation Programme, which encourages secondary school students to develop innovative clean energy solutions in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company limited (NNPCL).
He stressed that addressing Africa’s education challenges requires stronger partnerships among governments, the private sector and development organisations.
“No one country, industry or institution can do it alone. Through collaboration, sound policies and sustained private sector investment, we can equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world and advance education for all across the African continent,” he said.
Speaking during the Seplat-sponsored plenary, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, described education as “the most strategic investment any nation can make” and commended Seplat Energy for its longstanding contributions to the sector.
“I would like to commend Seplat Energy for its longstanding investment in education through scholarships, teacher development programmes, school infrastructure initiatives, STEAM initiatives and other educational projects,” she said.
The Minister noted that education remains the foundation for economic growth, innovation and national competitiveness, adding that digital transformation is central to building a future-ready education system.
She added that the scale of progress required cannot be achieved by government alone and called for greater private sector investment in school connectivity, digital infrastructure, educational technology, teacher capacity development, artificial intelligence, and technical and vocational education.
Also speaking at the summit, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwolu represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, stressed the importance of partnerships in financing Africa’s development across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and technology.
He noted that investing in young people remains essential to building resilient economies and unlocking Africa’s long-term growth potential.
During the plenary discussions, the increasing significance of digital literacy, artificial intelligence, teacher development, and strategic investment in equipping Africa’s next generation for upcoming opportunities was emphasized. Participants concurred that robust public-private partnerships are essential for constructing inclusive and resilient education systems that can address the needs of an ever-evolving global economy.
The authority also mentioned that Seplat Energy prioritizes education within its sustainability agenda, focusing on initiatives that enhance access to quality education, bolster teacher skills, and foster innovation among youth. Through ongoing investment and strategic collaborations, the company is dedicated to cultivating the skilled workforce necessary for powering Africa’s future.
