By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Executive Chairman, Delta State Universal Basic Education Board,(SUBEB), Hon. Samuel Mariere has debunked alleged corruption claims that contractors are remunerating payments before contracts are awarded.
Honourable Mariere also highlighted successful records the board has achieved in the period in view.
Addressing journalists in a press briefing at Asaba, Hon. Mariere noted the board’s mandate is to expand access, improve quality, and uphold strict accountability in basic education across Delta State.
Responding to the allegations, Mariere said the allegations are baseless, false, and malicious.
According to him, “I state clearly and without hesitation: these allegations are false, malicious, and baseless.
“At no time have I, or any member of the board’s leadership, demanded or received gratuities, kickbacks, or any payment—cash or in kind—from contractors, vendors, or partners doing business with D-SUBEB”.
He continued, “Our leadership operates on a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, consistent with the Delta State Government’s accountability drive and the broader objectives of the UBEC framework”.
While highlighting the successes of the Board, Hon. Mariere said that “90% of all projects approved by the Procurement Department for this cycle have been completed, and all involved contractors duly paid through official channels, noting that payments are processed strictly by due process, following verification, certification, and established financial controls”.
He explained that the Finance and Accounts Department has tightened controls and accelerated legitimate disbursements to avoid site delays.
The chairman revealed that the board has rolled out interventions for 507,050 learners, including learning materials, teacher support, and welfare facilities.
Hon. Mariere also noted that a total of 5,511 teachers were trained to improve lesson planning, inclusive pedagogy, digital literacy, and classroom management across LGAs based on appraisals.
On infrastructure, Mariere said the board has 162 new classrooms, 491 renovations to usability.
22 new perimeter block walls with gatehouses; 5 renovations.
Sanitation & Water: 164 VIP toilets constructed; additional toilet renovations; 5 solar-powered boreholes provided (3,000-litre each) and others rehabilitated.
10 staff quarters delivered; a new refectory; conversion of a story building into a hostel with toilets; 50 double-bunk beds and 50 foams for boarding support.
Furniture: 16,834 classroom furniture units supplied; 4,000 units maintained to extend lifespan.
Textbooks: 167,707 textbooks distributed (80,907 via UBEC; 86,800 via D-SUBEB/state resources).
Devices & Boards: 1,843 tablets, 28 laptops, 13 desktops, and 64 interactive boards deployed.
Teaching Aids: 10,000 charts/posters/counters/toys distributed for stronger early-grade literacy and numeracy.
He said he will not be distracted by falsehoods, that his focus is on classrooms, teachers, textbooks, safety, and results for Delta’s children, while he called on contractors and community stakeholders to keep reporting any perceived irregularity directly to the Audit and Procurement units for immediate action.
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