Delta State Strengthens Basic Education as SUBEB, UBEC Train Teachers Under STEP Programme
February 10, 2026
Delta State is reinforcing its commitment to quality basic education as the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), commences a five-day intensive teacher training programme aimed at improving classroom teaching standards across the State.
The specialised training, known as the Strengthening Teacher English Proficiency (STEP) Programme, has brought together 150 teachers drawn from the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State.
The residential workshop, holding at Peace Garden Hotel International, Ughelli, forms part of ongoing education reforms targeted at improving teacher effectiveness, classroom communication and learning outcomes in in the Basic Education Sector across the State.
Education experts have consistently identified teacher communication as a major factor influencing pupils’ academic success.
The STEP training programme is designed to improve teachers’ English proficiency and equip them with modern learner-centred teaching strategies that promote interactive learning and improved classroom engagement.
This initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, particularly in advancing human capital development and strengthening education quality across Delta State.
According to the Executive Chairman of Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Samuel Mariere, the training demonstrates the government’s sustained investment in teacher professional development as a key driver of education reform.
He explained that improving teacher capacity remains critical to raising education standards, noting that well-trained teachers play a vital role in shaping pupils’ academic success and overall development.
Mariere further disclosed that the STEP programme is designed to create a ripple effect across public schools in the State. He noted that participants were carefully selected to serve as master trainers who will transfer knowledge and modern teaching strategies to other teachers within their schools and local government areas.
Also speaking, the Director, Teacher Development Department, SUBEB, Mrs. Eru Ezefili, emphasised that the training focuses on transitioning teachers from traditional teacher-dominated classroom methods to learner-centred instructional approaches that encourage active participation and improved comprehension among pupils.
She noted that improved English proficiency among teachers enhances clarity of instruction, strengthens pupils’ understanding of lessons and supports literacy development, particularly at the foundational education level.
According to her, the STEP programme equips teachers with practical teaching tools, interactive learning techniques and classroom management strategies designed to improve pupil engagement and learning effectiveness.
Participants in the training are being engaged through interactive sessions, practical demonstrations and collaborative learning activities designed to address real classroom challenges.
The residential nature of the workshop also provides teachers with the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences and build professional networks that support continuous professional growth.
The STEP training programme, which commenced February 9, 2026, will run through February 13, 2026, begining daily at 9:00 a.m. Participants are expected to cascade the knowledge gained to colleagues in their respective schools, ensuring that the benefits of the programme extend beyond the selected teachers.
As Delta State continues to invest in teacher capacity building through strategic collaboration with UBEC, initiatives such as the STEP programme demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening foundational education and improving learning opportunities for pupils across the State