Delta Moves Against Out-of-School Crisis as SUBEB Begins Massive Enrollment Campaign

Renewed Push for Universal Basic Education

DETERMINED to close the education gap and increase school participation rates, the Delta State Government has launched an ambitious statewide enrollment campaign designed to bring every eligible child into the classroom.

The initiative, implemented through the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), represents one of the state’s most extensive grassroots education mobilisation efforts in recent years.

Officials say the campaign seeks to address persistent enrollment challenges while reinforcing the government’s commitment to universal access to quality basic education.

Tackling the Out-of-School Challenge

Despite sustained investments in education, thousands of children across Nigeria remain outside the formal school system due to economic hardship, social barriers, mobility challenges and limited access to educational facilities.

Delta SUBEB says the new campaign is specifically targeted at reversing this trend by encouraging parents and communities to prioritise school enrollment.

According to Executive Chairman of Delta SUBEB, Hon. Samuel Mariere, the state is focusing attention on vulnerable groups that are often excluded from educational opportunities.

These include girls, children with disabilities, nomadic populations, children with special needs and adults seeking basic educational qualifications.

The goal, he said, is to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to learn.

Community Engagement Strategy Takes Centre Stage

A key component of the initiative is its community-based approach.

Rather than relying solely on traditional awareness campaigns, education authorities are taking the message directly to local communities through road walks, stakeholder meetings and public sensitisation activities.

The campaign will be implemented across all 25 local government areas through Local Government Education Authorities, enabling direct interaction with families and community leaders.

Officials believe that grassroots engagement remains the most effective strategy for overcoming cultural, social and informational barriers to school enrollment.

To improve communication, campaign messages have been translated into different languages spoken across the state.

Expanding Access Through Government Programmes

Alongside enrollment efforts, the government is introducing complementary programmes aimed at making public education more attractive and accessible.

One such intervention is the School Improvement Grant programme, through which schools receive regular financial support to enhance operations and reduce expenses that might otherwise be passed on to parents.

The state is also investing in infrastructure development through the Special Improvement Programme, with selected schools already earmarked for upgrades.

Officials believe improved facilities will help attract more pupils while creating a better learning environment.

Building Accountability and Quality Education

Education authorities say improving enrollment alone is not enough; quality and accountability must also improve.

To address this, SUBEB has expanded teacher training programmes and introduced a biometric attendance system to strengthen teacher supervision and classroom effectiveness.

According to Mariere, the initiative has improved accountability and helped ensure that teachers are present and actively engaged in delivering lessons.

Education experts have long argued that teacher quality remains one of the most important determinants of learning outcomes, making such reforms crucial to long-term educational success.

Protecting Schools and Strengthening Local Ownership

School security and community participation remain major pillars of the state’s education strategy.

Mariere explained that School-Based Management Committees are helping bridge the gap between schools and local communities by involving residents directly in school governance and protection.

The committees include representatives from various sectors of society and are expected to contribute to pupil welfare, school maintenance and security monitoring.

Government is also expanding child-protection measures, including perimeter fencing and other security improvements designed to make schools safer for learners.

Aligning Education With the MORE Agenda

Officials say the enrollment campaign forms part of broader educational reforms being pursued under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda.

The administration’s education policy prioritises improved access, stronger infrastructure, teacher effectiveness and better learning outcomes as part of efforts to strengthen human capital development across Delta State.

Stakeholders at the launch described the campaign as a significant step toward ensuring that every child has access to educational opportunities regardless of background or circumstance.

With admissions already open in public basic schools statewide, education authorities are now banking on community participation and sustained awareness efforts to convert policy objectives into measurable enrollment gains.

As the campaign spreads across Delta’s communities, officials hope it will help reduce the number of out-of-school children while laying a stronger foundation for future social and economic development.