Sterling Oil, VCDF Celebrate 190 Teachers, Reach 3,012 Students Across Nigeria
Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) have celebrated 190 teachers, reaching 3,012 students across five public secondary schools.
The initiative marked the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, recognising educators’ contributions while promoting stronger relationships between teachers and students in Akwa Ibom and Delta states.
The programme featured activities designed to appreciate educators, encourage student participation and highlight the importance of quality education in Nigerian communities through collaborative school-based engagement.
Through its Learning Enhancement Programme (LEP), Model School Initiative (MSI) and Transforming Teachers for Tomorrow (T3), VCDF continues supporting educators and expanding learning opportunities for students.
World Teachers’ Day is observed annually on October 5 to recognise teachers and promote improvements in their professional status, working conditions and contributions to education worldwide.
The 2026 celebration theme, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Improving Its Status and Shaping Our Futures,” highlights educators’ importance in shaping future generations.
The activities took place at Community Secondary School, Iko, Eastern Obolo; Comprehensive High School, Edemaya, Ikot Abasi; Air Force Comprehensive High School, Uyo; and Army Day Secondary School, Ibagwa, Abak, in Akwa Ibom State.
Girls’ Secondary School, Kwale, Delta State, also participated in the celebration, which brought educators and students together through activities promoting appreciation, learning and meaningful relationships.
VCDF organised the programme alongside school administrators and education stakeholders, reinforcing partnerships aimed at improving educational experiences and recognising teachers’ contributions to their communities.
Students expressed gratitude through the Tree of Gratitude activity and personalised greeting cards, acknowledging teachers’ guidance, commitment and influence on their academic and personal development.
Teachers also shared experiences from their professional journeys, discussing what inspired their career choices and the fulfilment they experienced helping students grow academically and personally.
Other activities included debates, cultural performances, interactive games, appreciation sessions and student-led presentations, creating opportunities for teachers and learners to celebrate their shared educational journey.
Several educators praised the initiative, describing the recognition as an encouraging reminder that their work, commitment and contributions to students’ development were valued.
Mrs. Ameneke Theresa Nkemjika, Vice Principal of Administration at Girls’ Secondary School, Kwale, said she had spent more than 30 years teaching and continued finding fulfilment in the profession.
“I have been teaching for more than 30 years now, and I have really enjoyed this job. It helps in impacting knowledge, and it has been joyful seeing my students progress in life. I appreciate Delta State Government, Sterling Oil and VCDF for this programme,” she said.
Mrs. Otuagoma Beatrice, another teacher at the school, expressed excitement about the celebration, saying the recognition demonstrated that students valued educators’ efforts and dedication.
“Really, I am excited. It means we are valued, and we are important. I felt happy when the students mentioned my name; it shows the students appreciate what we do,” she said.
Mrs. Regina Aniekan Jack, Principal of Comprehensive High School, Edemaya, commended the initiative, stressing that teachers deserved appreciation beyond annual celebrations for their contributions to children’s development.
“We appreciate Akwa Ibom State Government, and VCDF for celebrating and appreciating teachers, not just today, but every day, for the important role they play in shaping the lives of our children. Thank you for recognising teachers and for your continued support,” she said.
At Air Force Comprehensive High School, Uyo, French teacher Mr. Michael Akpan explained how the profession had strengthened his commitment to continuous learning, research and professional development.
He said his students’ questions, diverse learning needs and perspectives had encouraged him to become more inquisitive, explore new ideas and improve his teaching methods.
Students also welcomed the opportunity to recognise their educators, describing teachers as influential figures whose guidance supports academic progress and helps shape their future aspirations.
A senior secondary school student at Girls’ Secondary School, Kwale, expressed happiness about the celebration, insisting that teachers deserved recognition throughout the year.
“I am very excited and happy because we are celebrating with our teachers. Teachers should be celebrated every time,” the student said.
Beyond World Teachers’ Day, VCDF’s education initiatives have reached more than 37,863 students and teachers across Akwa Ibom, Delta and Lagos states through LEP, MSI and T3.
These programmes seek to expand educational opportunities, improve learning conditions and strengthen support for teachers and students in participating communities across the three states.
VCDF said it would continue collaborating with governments, education authorities, schools and other institutions to extend access to quality education beyond its host communities.
The foundation’s efforts are supported by Sterling Oil’s corporate social responsibility investments, which contribute to initiatives aimed at strengthening education and improving learning opportunities across Nigeria.
