By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
A recent viral video showing pupils sitting on the bare floor at Eghreka Primary School in Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area, has sparked mixed reactions across social media. While many expressed outrage over the condition of the pupils, the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has moved to clarify the situation, describing the video as politically motivated and shedding light on the significant strides the state has made in boosting basic education infrastructure.
Speaking through a press statement in Asaba, the Board emphasized that the State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has made unprecedented investments in classrooms, desks, and learning facilities, ensuring a more conducive environment for thousands of pupils across the state.
“Ordinarily, the Board would not have responded because it is more of political, but to keep the records straight, it has become necessary to brief the press on the true situation of things and the ongoing efforts to improve basic education,” the statement said.
In the current year alone, SUBEB disclosed that over 16,000 dual desks have been constructed and distributed to schools across Delta. This figure does not include additional furniture provided through constituency projects of lawmakers, interventions by other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and contributions from corporate organizations.
In the area of infrastructure, the Board reported the construction of 234 new classrooms — 162 delivered under the 2024 UBE Intervention Fund and 72 completed by the Delta State Government. An additional 24 classrooms were still under construction at the time of reporting.
These interventions, SUBEB noted, have drastically reduced classroom congestion, improved safety, and expanded enrolment opportunities in both rural and urban communities.
Complementing these efforts, the state has constructed 22 perimeter block walls and gatehouses, renovated five others, built 164 VIP toilets, and installed five solar-powered boreholes to enhance sanitation and water supply. Teachers’ welfare has also been addressed through the construction of 10 staff quarters, while pupils benefitted from 16,834 units of furniture, maintenance of 4,000 more, and 50 double bunk beds with foams to support boarding facilities.
The Board acknowledged that despite these investments, a recent needs assessment revealed that some schools still face furniture shortages. Out of 1,141 public primary schools in the state, about 30% of furniture must be replaced annually, largely due to misuse and vandalism.
Chairs and desks are often taken away during community events such as burials and football matches, left exposed to theft and weather damage. Some are maliciously destroyed, with metal frames sold to scavengers, while pupils’ rough usage also contributes to wear and tear.
In response to the immediate needs, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the provision of 1,000 seats to schools in critical condition. Additionally, over 16,000 more dual desks are planned under the 2025 UBE projects, with contracts expected to be awarded before the year ends.
In a separate development, SUBEB announced that the Basic Schools Sports Programme will commence on October 9, 2025, across all 25 local government areas of the state, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The grand finale is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
