Bauchi Opens Bids For N7.1bn Intervention Projects

Bauchi State government has opened the bidding process for the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)/Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) intervention projects, valued at N7,109,285,168.92.

Speaking during the ceremony held yesterday at BA-SUBEB headquarters, the executive chairman of the Board, Alhaji Adamu Muhammad Duguri, said the exercise was aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and due diligence in project execution.

He added that the process also provides an opportunity to recognise the presence of stakeholders and committed contractors.

Represented by the permanent secretary of SUBEB, Abdulhamid Muhammad Jubrin, Duguri explained that the intervention project is a joint initiative, with both UBEC and the Bauchi State Government contributing an equal counterpart fund of N3,554,642,584.46 each.

The bidding slots cover components such as construction and renovation of classrooms, drilling of hand pump boreholes, provision of VIP toilets, Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) furniture, as well as furniture for primary, junior secondary, and teachers.

Duguri commended Governor Bala Mohammed and the executive secretary of UBEC for releasing counterpart funds promptly, describing the gesture as crucial to sustaining the pace of education development in the state.

He also appreciated other development partners for their continuous support in the sector.

While urging contractors to maintain patience and maturity as only a few would emerge successful, Duguri warned that the Board would not compromise standards.

He charged successful bidders to strictly adhere to contract specifications, stressing that the administration is determined to provide a befitting teaching and learning environment across the state.

The director of physical planning at SUBEB, Adamu Y. Abdullahi, noted that since making the bidding process an annual event, the Board has achieved a 98% completion rate in intervention projects between 2017 and 2023. He attributed the success to the dedication of SUBEB’s chairman and staff.

Also speaking, the director of school services of the board, Shuaibu Usman, emphasised the importance of tree planting in schools to improve the learning environment. He revealed plans to establish a climate change club across schools to promote environmental sustainability.

In his remarks, chairman of the Bauchi State Contractors Association, Usama Aliyu Wundi, expressed confidence in the government’s current performance in contract awards and pledged the contractors’ commitment to delivering quality projects in line with the agreements.

Wundi added that, “With the government’s current commitment, we are assured that our contractors will strictly adhere to the contract agreement throughout the duration of the project.”