By LOIS DADUUT
The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has conducted a bid opening ceremony for the award of contracts under the first and fourth quarter 2025 Universal Basic Education (UBE) intervention projects.
The event, held at SUBEB Primary School, Shinko, Rayfield, Jos South LGA, brought together key stakeholders, board management, contractors and representatives of oversight agencies.
In his opening remarks, the Director of Physical Planning, Gabriel Ayuba, commended the Plateau State Government under the leadership of Governor Mutfwang for providing counterpart funding required to access the UBE intervention.
He also appreciated the SUBEB leadership for creating an enabling environment for contractors to participate in the bidding process.Ayuba urged contractors who would eventually be awarded projects to strictly adhere to specifications and deliver quality work.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Kachollom Gang, Peter Mantu lauded the state government for releasing funds for the projects.He noted that the initiative would significantly improve learning environments for children across the state.
He also cautioned contractors to comply fully with contractual terms and conditions.A representative of anti-corruption agencies, Oke Francis Okoko of the EFCC/ICPC, expressed optimism that the process would be conducted in a transparent and peaceful manner.
He emphasised the importance of executing projects in line with approved standards.
Also speaking, Keneng Rwang Pam of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) described the exercise as more than a routine procurement process.She stressed that every UBE contract should translate into safe and conducive learning spaces.
She urged contractors not to compromise on quality.She added that transparency in execution would ultimately lead to meaningful impact.
While officially flagging off the bid opening, the Chairman of Plateau SUBEB, Sunday Amuna, assured participants of a transparent process.He explained that the presence of representatives from anti-corruption agencies, the Ministry of Education, civil society groups, the judiciary and the media was to ensure credibility.
Amuna noted that the board would expedite the process.He stated that successful contractors would promptly receive their award letters, while unclaimed letters would be withheld.
He further assured contractors that payments would be made in full upon satisfactory completion of projects in line with required standards.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Procurement, Jangnap Wuyep, thanked stakeholders, contractors and media representatives for their participation.
He also appreciated the government’s support and expressed hope for continued peace and development in Plateau State and Nigeria at large.The bid opening covered various projects aimed at improving infrastructure and learning conditions in public basic education schools across the state.