By Abasi Ita
South South Bureau Chief
The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has expressed deep concern over the destruction of more than 90,000 school desks and other classroom furniture across the state, describing the act as irresponsible and politically motivated.
Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba on Tuesday, the Chairman of SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, said the large-scale vandalism appeared to be fueled by some members of host communities, allegedly influenced by political actors seeking to discredit the government’s achievements in the education sector.
Mariere explained that findings from a recent Needs Assessment conducted by the Board showed that while several of the state’s 1,141 primary schools genuinely require more classroom furniture, over 30 percent of existing desks had been damaged through misuse and deliberate destruction.
“In many communities, seats provided for pupils are taken away during burials, community meetings, or football matches and never returned,” he lamented. “Some are left under the rain, while others are intentionally destroyed and sold as scrap. It is unfortunate that the same people benefiting from government investments are undermining them.”
The SUBEB chairman revealed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had approved the immediate supply of 1,000 new seats to schools most affected by the losses. He also announced that an additional 16,000 dual desks would be distributed under the 2025 Universal Basic Education (UBE) intervention projects.
Mariere further highlighted several ongoing infrastructural improvements in the state’s public schools, including the construction of 22 perimeter walls and gatehouses, renovation of five others, installation of 164 VIP toilets, and provision of five solar-powered boreholes to promote hygiene and security.
He added that teachers’ welfare remains a top priority, with the construction of 10 staff quarters currently underway. The state has also provided 16,834 units of furniture, refurbished 4,000 others, and supplied 50 double-bunk beds with mattresses for boarding facilities.
The chairman urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to take ownership of educational facilities in their areas and safeguard them against vandalism.
“Government investments in education must not be wasted through negligence or politically motivated destruction,” Mariere warned.