Delta SUBEB Funds Claim Denied as Board Says Only N400m Left

The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board has pushed back against media reports that it is sitting on a massive N13.40 billion cash reserve. Executive Chairman Samuel Mariere told reporters over the phone on Thursday that the figure cited in earlier stories was drawn from an outdated January‑2026 snapshot and does not reflect the board’s current financial position. According to Mariere, the 2025 budget leaves the board with less than N400 million in unspent funds, all of which is earmarked for retention payments to contractors.

Mariere explained that almost all of the projects approved under the 2025 budget have already been completed and paid for. “About 99 percent of the contracts under the 2025 budget have been completed and settled,” he said, adding that the small balance remaining is intended to cover retention fees that are released six months after a contractor finishes a project. He emphasized that the board is in the process of closing out these obligations and that no large sum is lying idle.

The chairman also clarified the source of funding for the next phase of the state’s basic education programme, slated for 2026. He noted that the Delta state government has fulfilled its share of counterpart funding, while the Federal Government has already disbursed a little over N2 billion in matching funds as of Thursday. The matching process, however, is still ongoing. When all contributions are finalised, the total pool for the 2026 initiative is expected to reach roughly N12 billion, according to Mariere.

With the funding stream taking shape, the board is preparing to move to the procurement stage. Mariere said that an invitation to tender for the 2026 projects will be advertised next week, subject to the completion of the required procurement procedures. “We are in the procurement process. You know the procurement process is not something you just jump into because you have to go through the tender board and other procedures,” he told reporters. He projected that contracts are likely to be awarded by the end of November or in the first week of December, a timeline that aligns with the state’s academic calendar and allows for the commencement of work before the new school year.

The focus on procurement show the regulatory framework that governs public spending in Nigeria. All large‑scale education contracts must pass through the tender board, a body that ensures transparency, competitive bidding and compliance with the Public Procurement Act. The board’s adherence to these steps is intended to safeguard against the kind of mismanagement that fuels speculation about idle funds.

Addressing lingering concerns about the condition of public primary schools, Mariere highlighted recent achievements by the state government. More than 160 school projects have been executed across Delta State, ranging from classroom construction to rehabilitation of existing facilities. In addition, over 9,000 pieces of furniture have been supplied to schools, a move aimed at improving learning environments and meeting the basic needs of students.

To further modernise the education sector, the board is rolling out a digital attendance registry. This system will track teachers’ daily presence, helping administrators spot absenteeism and allocate resources more efficiently. Alongside the technology upgrade, the board has organised training programmes for teachers, focusing on instructional techniques and classroom management. Such initiatives are part of a broader effort to raise the quality of basic education in the state.

Despite these advances, Mariere acknowledged that some schools still face furniture shortages. He attributed part of the shortfall to damage and theft, estimating that about 30 percent of school furniture is compromised each year. “Based on our findings, we estimate that about 30 per cent of school furniture is damaged each year,” he said, noting that both government agencies and local communities are working together to protect school assets. The board’s strategy includes tighter inventory controls and community awareness campaigns aimed at reducing vandalism.

Mariere urged members of the public to visit schools across Delta State to see the projects that have been completed. He said that firsthand observation would dispel rumors and demonstrate the board’s commitment to improving basic education. “Delta State does not have N13.40 bn sitting in a SUBEB account that the board is refusing to use,” he insisted, reinforcing that every available naira is being directed toward approved initiatives.

The controversy over the alleged surplus highlights the challenges of financial transparency in public institutions. While the board insists that its accounts are up to date, critics argue that outdated figures can easily be misinterpreted, leading to public distrust. By openly communicating its current balance and outlining the steps needed to release the remaining funds, the board hopes to rebuild confidence among stakeholders.

Looking ahead, the board’s next move will be the tendering of contracts for the 2026 education projects. Once the procurement process is completed and the federal matching funds are fully transferred, the remaining budget will be deployed to build new classrooms, refurbish existing ones, and provide essential learning materials. The anticipated award of contracts by late November or early December signals that the board is on track to meet its financial commitments and continue its push to enhance basic education throughout Delta State.