RismadarVoice Reporters
October 31, 2026
The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has rejected suggestions that it currently holds ₦13.4 billion in unspent education funds, insisting that its remaining balance from the 2025 budget is below ₦400 million.
The board’s Executive Chairman, Samuel Mariere, clarified during a telephone interview on Thursday, following reports highlighting unutilised Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) grants across Nigeria.
Mariere argued that the reported figures relied on outdated financial records and did not reflect payments made to contractors or the board’s present financial position.
According to him, approximately 99 per cent of contracts under the 2025 budget have been completed and paid for, with outstanding obligations consisting mainly of retention payments due after project completion.
The controversy followed a report citing UBEC’s 2025 annual report, which listed Delta among states with substantial unspent basic education funds.
The report recorded ₦13.40 billion against Delta during financial monitoring conducted in July 2025.
Mariere maintained that subsequent expenditure had significantly reduced the amount available in the board’s accounts.
Addressing the 2026 programme, he said the Delta State Government had provided its counterpart funding, while the Federal Government had released slightly over ₦2 billion in matching grants.
He explained that the funding process was continuing, with the combined allocation expected to reach approximately ₦12 billion.
The chairman said preparations were underway to advertise new contracts, with awards anticipated by late November or early December, subject to procurement requirements.
On infrastructure development, Mariere said the government had executed more than 160 school projects and supplied over 9,000 pieces of furniture to public primary schools.
He also highlighted teacher training initiatives and the introduction of a digital attendance system intended to improve monitoring and accountability.
However, he acknowledged that some schools continued to experience furniture shortages, partly because of damage and theft.
Mariere urged communities to help protect school facilities and encouraged residents to assess completed government projects.
The disagreement underscores the importance of distinguishing historical unspent balances from current account positions.
Although UBEC’s earlier figures provide a documented basis for the original report, the board’s claim that less than ₦400 million remains requires updated financial records for independent confirmation.
The publication of reconciled account statements, project payment schedules and outstanding contractual obligations would help establish how the reported funds have been utilised.
