By Wealth Oghenekaro
The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (D-SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Oghenevwogaga Mariere, has debunked allegations that contractors were coerced into paying kickbacks for projects executed under the board.
Addressing journalists at the Board’s headquarters in Asaba on Thursday, Mariere described the reports as unfounded and malicious, stressing that his administration upholds transparency and accountability in line with the Delta State Government’s anti-corruption stance and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) framework.
“At no time have I or any member of the board’s management demanded or received any form of gratification from contractors or partners,” he stated firmly.
The SUBEB boss was reacting to claims that contractors were compelled to remit sums ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦300,000 through staff in the Planning, Research and Statistics Department. He, however, insisted that no such practice exists within the board.
According to him, an emergency meeting with contractors held on August 19 confirmed his position, as several contractors openly declared that neither he nor any official of the board had ever requested illicit payments.
Mariere further disclosed that the Delta State Government earmarked ₦7.1 billion for SUBEB projects in 2025, with individual contracts averaging ₦60 million, of which 90 percent of payments have already been disbursed.
Highlighting the board’s achievements, he revealed that public school enrolment currently stands at 821,827 pupils, with 507,050 learners benefiting directly from interventions this quarter. Teacher development has also remained a priority, with 5,511 educators trained in programmes such as Jolly Phonics, Head Teacher Leadership, and School-Based Training.
On infrastructure, Mariere announced that 162 classrooms were newly built, 491 renovated, 164 VIP toilets constructed, and five solar-powered boreholes delivered. In addition, 16,834 classroom furniture units and 167,707 textbooks have been supplied to schools across the state.
He also disclosed that plans were underway to integrate 216 community teachers into the formal school system, particularly in underserved rural areas, after providing them with the necessary professional training.
In the area of digital learning, Mariere cited the Orogun SMART School, now fully equipped with smartboards, tablets, and e-learning laboratories. Beyond this, 1,843 tablets, 28 laptops, and 64 interactive boards have been distributed to other schools.
The SUBEB chairman also appealed to communities and stakeholders to help safeguard government property, warning against the rising threat of vandalism in schools. He stressed that the board had expanded inclusive education, re-enrolling over 2,000 out-of-school children and providing assistive tools such as Braille materials, hearing devices, and mobility aids for learners with disabilities.
“Let me emphasize once more: 90 percent of our projects have been completed, and contractors have received their rightful payments without any hidden charges or deductions,” Mariere declared. “Our books are open for scrutiny by UBEC, civil society, and the media. We remain focused on delivering quality education to Delta’s children.”
