ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has reacted to a trending social media video showing pupils sitting on the floor at Eghreka Primary School, Ewu, in Ughelli South Local Government Area, describing the post as politically motivated and not a true reflection of the government’s massive investment in the education sector.
Speaking during a press briefing held at the Board’s headquarters in Asaba on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Hon Samuel Mariere stated that while the video was exaggerated to mislead the public, it had become necessary to set the record straight and provide factual updates on the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of basic education across Delta State.
The Chairman explained that in the current year alone, the Board constructed and distributed over 16,000 dual desks to schools across the state. He added that this figure does not include additional furniture supplied through other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), constituency projects of members of the State House of Assembly, and donations from corporate bodies.
“In terms of infrastructure, we have recorded significant progress,” the SUBEB boss said. “A total of 234 new classrooms were constructed, 162 under the 2024 UBE Intervention Fund and 72 delivered by the Delta State Government (DTSG). In addition, 24 more classrooms are presently under construction across the state.”
He noted that these interventions have helped to reduce congestion in classrooms, improve safety, and provide a more conducive learning atmosphere for pupils in both rural and urban areas. He further revealed that the government also prioritized security and welfare with the construction of 22 perimeter fences and gatehouses, renovation of five others, provision of 164 VIP toilets, and construction of five solar-powered boreholes.
The Board also paid attention to teachers’ welfare with the delivery of 10 staff quarters, while learners benefited from the supply of 16,834 units of furniture, maintenance of another 4,000 units, and the provision of 50 double bunk beds and foams to support boarding arrangements in schools.
Addressing the specific issue of inadequate furniture in some schools, the SUBEB Chairman admitted that despite the progress made, a recent needs assessment revealed that more desks were still required to serve the state’s 1,141 public primary schools. He explained that about 30 percent of existing furniture had been destroyed or lost due to misuse by some community members.
“Unfortunately, we discovered that in several communities, chairs and desks meant for pupils are often taken away for use during burials, weddings, and football matches, and never returned,” he lamented. “Some are even vandalized, with the iron frames sold to scavengers. Others are simply damaged through careless handling by pupils themselves.”
To address the situation, he announced that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had graciously approved the immediate release of 1,000 desks to schools in urgent need, while another 16,000 dual desks have been planned under the 2025 UBE intervention projects. The contract process for the new desks, he said, would begin before the end of the year.
The Chairman also disclosed that as part of the Board’s activities this season, the Delta State Government, in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), would flag off the Basic Schools Sports Competition on October 9, 2025, across the 25 local government areas of the state. The grand finale, he said, is scheduled to hold on October 22, 2025, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
He assured Deltans that the Board remains committed to Governor Oborevwori’s vision of providing quality, accessible, and child-friendly learning environments across the state.
“Our focus is clear, to ensure that every child in Delta State learns in comfort, safety, and dignity,” the SUBEB Chairman declared. “The government’s investment in infrastructure, furniture, teacher welfare, and sports development is a testament to that commitment.”
