ASABA/Nigeria: The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (D-SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Oghenevwogaga Mariere, has dismissed recent corruption allegations against him and the Board’s leadership, describing them as “false, malicious, and baseless.”
Addressing journalists in Asaba on Wednesday, August 21, 2025, Mariere debunked claims that contractors were coerced into paying between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000 through staff of the Planning, Research and Statistics Department. He said the allegations were fabrications orchestrated to tarnish his image and that of the Board.
“At no time have I, or any member of the Board’s leadership, demanded or received gratuities, kickbacks, or any form of payment from contractors, vendors, or partners doing business with D-SUBEB. Our operations follow a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, in line with the Delta State Government’s accountability drive and UBEC guidelines,” he declared.
Mariere noted that at an emergency contractors’ meeting convened on August 19, multiple contractors publicly affirmed that neither he nor Board officials had ever requested illicit payments for contract awards or certifications. “Contrary to the smear campaign, no contractor has lodged any complaints, formally or informally. Instead, they expressed satisfaction with our processes,” he said.
He explained that D-SUBEB’s procurement system strictly adheres to the Federal Procurement Law, with due diligence, competitive bidding, and proper documentation. He also invited UBEC, civil society groups, oversight bodies, and the media to independently verify D-SUBEB’s records, stressing: “Sunlight is our policy.”
Beyond defending the Board’s integrity, Mariere highlighted what he described as “verifiable evidence of performance” captured in the agency’s latest progress report (June–August 2025). These include:
Construction of 162 new classrooms and renovation of 491 others
Building of 22 perimeter walls and 164 VIP toilets
Installation of five solar-powered boreholes across schools
Training of 5,511 teachers under 10 different programmes
Distribution of 167,707 textbooks and over 1,800 digital devices
Re-enrolment of more than 2,000 out-of-school children
Inauguration of 800 School-Based Management Committees
Mariere added that D-SUBEB has also deepened community collaboration with PTAs, traditional rulers, and youth groups to promote grassroots participation in education.
Looking ahead, he said the Board will expand e-procurement, improve teacher supply in critical subjects, strengthen rural school logistics—including boats for riverine areas—and complete ongoing SMART School facilities to advance digital learning.
“Ninety percent of approved projects have been completed; all contractors have been duly paid. No illicit payments were demanded or received. Our focus remains on classrooms, teachers, textbooks, safety, and delivering results for Delta’s children,” Mariere said.
