Recently, the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) commenced the public opening of bids for the SUBEB-UBEC intervention fund projects, covering the matching grant from the 1st to 4th quarter of 2002 to the 1st to 4th quarter of 2003.
Contractors and representatives of regulatory bodies gathered at the board’s headquarters in Makurdi for the flag-off ceremony held on a Tuesday.
During her address, Dr. Grace Adagba, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, emphasized the board’s dedication to transparency and accountability in project execution.
Dr. Adagba highlighted that Benue SUBEB stands out by openly announcing the coordinates and locations of planned projects, showcasing a transparent process.
She underscored the importance of contractors delivering projects according to specifications and within stipulated timelines.
Furthermore, she assured that the ongoing process would be the most transparent ever witnessed in Benue State.
Dr. Adagba praised the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Alia, for promptly releasing counterpart funding, demonstrating his commitment to educational development in the state.
Representing the Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, Rev. Dr. Frederick Ikyaan, Mr. Agbo Ochekpe pointed out the significance of public bid openings as a collective effort to uphold transparency, accountability, and adherence to quality standards and ethical practices.
The event was graced by board members, management staff, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Cephas Dyako, UBEC officials, representatives from various regulatory bodies like EFCC, ICPC, BPP, the Nigerian Institute of Builders, and civil society organizations.
During their speeches, UBEC representatives and financial institution delegates stressed the necessity of maintaining standards and enforcing penalties on non-compliant contractors.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the contractors, Emmanuel China thanked the Governor, the SUBEB Executive Chairman, and everyone involved in the contracting process. He expressed hope that deserving contractors would receive awards through a transparent and fair process, as pledged by the board.
The highlight of the occasion was the symbolic opening of bids for matching grants pertaining to the 1st to 4th quarter of 2002 and 2003.