Kwara opens bids for 2021 FGN/UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects

Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on Monday opened bids for execution of the 2021 FG/UBEC/SUBEB school intervention project.

The bid opening for the year 2021 school project comes following a successful completion of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 categories.

Performing the bid opening in Ilorin, the Kwara State Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, said the present administration gives special attention to payment of counterpart funds, thereby making Kwara eligible to access FG/UBEC funds to improve infrastructure in public basic schools.

“Today is another milestone in the history of the state, as the state government opens bids for fresh projects in our basic schools. This is part of the fruits of regularly paying counterpart funds. The government will leave no stone unturned to continue to attract opportunities that will lead to growth especially in revamping basic education in the state,” Alabi said on the sideline of the event.

He said the administration will continue to prioritize the development of critical infrastructure across all sectors of the economy, including making educational institutions more habitable for quality teaching and learning.

Alabi charged bidders, who may be lucky to get the contracts, to work according to the specifications and ensure that quality jobs are delivered.

At least a total of 275 bids were received for the Five (5) lots that were advertised for the 2021 school intervention projects, including the construction of Block of Two classrooms with Office in 23 locations; construction of VIP Toilet in 6 locations; remodeling of classrooms in 20 locations; fabrication of Teachers/Pupils Furniture 250/2984 Units; and drilling & installation of motorized solar borehole in 6 locations.

The ceremony was graced by government officials, both from the state and federal establishments, including the Chairman, Kwara House Assembly’s Committee on Education, Hon Baba Boriya; Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Madibbo Kawu; Chairman for SUBEB, Prof Shehu Raheem Adaramaja; representative of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Suleiman Sheu; representative of Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim; representative of Commissioner for
Business Innovation and Technology, Hon Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, Alhaji Abdulrafiu Adeniran; while the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Awah Nuhu was represented by Hajia Fatimoh Bolajoko Muhammad.

Others include State Co-ordinator for UBEC Mrs Victoria Sofolahan; representatives of Ag Zonal Director EFCC, Ilorin zonal Command, Ujilibo Stanley; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammed; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Transports, Alhaji Abdullahi Mao; General Manager, Kwara State Public Procurement Agency, QS Abdulraheem Baqi; state Chairman of NUT, Comrade Yusuf Wahab; management staff, Kwara SUBEB; and the contractors who came in their large numbers.

Adaramaja, for his part, described the exercise as highly competitive because of the size of bidders and the numbers of the projects to be awarded.

He thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his continual efforts at ensuring the payment of counterpart funds and the utilization of all available opportunities to improve the standard of infrastructure and education in the state.

“Today’s exercise is as competitive as ever as it used to be because of the sizes and numbers of the projects to be awarded. A total of 275 bids were received for the Five (5) lots advertised in 2021 FGN/UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects. This is huge, and will go a long way to further changing the faces of basic schools in the state,” he said.

The SUBEB boss disclosed that Governor AbdulRasaq has equally approved 2022 and 2023 counterpart funds, adding that the projects for the two years would soon be advertised.

“Let me quickly remind you again that, the projects which are mapped up for bidding are in different Lots i.e. Lot (1 to 5): Lot 1, Construction of Block of Two Classrooms with Office in 23 locations; Lot 2, Construction of VIP Toilet in 6 locations; Lot 3, Remodeling of Classrooms in 20 locations; Lot 4, Fabrication of Teachers/Pupils Furniture 250/2984 Units, Lot5, Drilling & Installation of Motorized Solar Borehole in 6 locations,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Alhaji Magaji Akaje commended the government for being transparent in the bid process, and promised not to let the government down if they get the contracts.