The Delta State Government has intensified reforms in the basic education sector following an independent assessment that revealed significant gaps in pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills.
The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, disclosed this on Monday during the briefing and flag-off of the 2026 National Learning Assessment, Field Work Programme, held at the SUBEB Headquarters in Asaba.
The exercise, which runs from June 29 to July 3, 2026, is being conducted by the Board in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and the Federal Ministry of Education, FMoE.
Hon. Mariere said the assessment will cover 12 of the 25 local government areas in Delta State, namely Aniocha South, Isoko North, Ika South, Okpe, Sapele, Ndokwa West, Ethiope East, Isoko South, Ughelli North, Ukwuani, Uvwie and Warri South.
He stated that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has prioritized quality education through increased collaboration among agencies, improved school infrastructure, provision of modern teaching materials, and digitalization of the sector.
Mariere noted with satisfaction the strong synergy between the Delta State Ministry of Primary Education, Ministry of Secondary Education, UBEC, SUBEB and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Citing SUBEB’s independent learning assessment, the SUBEB chairman revealed that literacy and numeracy abilities of many pupils in Primary Four and Primary Six fell below expected standards.
“The Board has also conducted its own assessments in schools and discovered that literacy and numeracy levels were below expectation. This has made it necessary for us to go back to the drawing board to identify the gaps and determine what we are getting wrong. That is why this National Learning Assessment is very important,” Mariere stated.
To address the gaps, the SUBEB Boss announced that every pupil in Primary One to Primary Three will receive English Language and Mathematics textbooks when schools resume, following findings that many schools lacked adequate instructional materials.
“The programme is designed to assess the ability of our pupils and students in numeracy and literacy. This will help in planning and implementing future interventions aimed at improving learning outcomes across our schools,” he added.
Mariere expressed optimism that findings from the assessment would provide reliable data for the Federal Ministry of Education, UBEC, the State Ministry of Education and SUBEB to formulate effective policies and ensure proper allocation of educational resources.
The former lawmaker and commissioner for Water Resources urged teachers and administrators to discharge their duties with dedication, describing education as a noble service that shapes future generations.
“Delta State will continue to sustain its reputation for educational excellence through consistent reforms and stronger collaboration among stakeholders,” Mariere said.
Representing the State Commissioner for Primary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, Mr. Otuisi Ohwofasa urged assessors to carry out their assignment with integrity and professionalism.
He reminded them that they were ambassadors of the state and must uphold high moral standards throughout the exercise.
In her goodwill message, Mrs. Maureen Ugwu of the Federal Ministry of Education described the assessment as a critical national initiative to accurately measure pupils’ learning achievements.
She commended the Delta Government for its biometric teacher verification system, noting that it has improved monitoring of attendance, punctuality and teacher effectiveness in real time.
UBEC representative at the flag-off, Mrs. Eucharia Morah, disclosed the 12 schools were randomly selected from each participating LGA, comprising four primary schools, four junior secondary schools and four senior secondary schools, using scientific sampling methods.
Mrs. Morah explained that the 2026 assessment has been expanded beyond basic education to include Senior Secondary Schools for a comprehensive evaluation of Nigeria’s education system, disclosing that the exercise is running simultaneously across the 36 states and the FCT under federal supervision.
The Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, SUBEB, Mrs. Demes Omoniye, explained that Delta was privileged to serve as the South-South pilot state during the earlier phase of the assessment.
She urged participants to pay close attention to technical sessions and adhere strictly to operational guidelines to ensure credible results.
She warned assessors not to cut corners or assist pupils during the assessment, stressing that the integrity of the data depended on objective evaluation.
The 3rd Member of the Board of SUBEB, Mrs. Josephine Edjeren; Acting Secretary to the Board, Mrs. Eru Ezefili; and representatives of UBEC, FMoE and the State Ministry of Education were among top government officials who witnessed the event.
