According to a report from Punch Page, the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has taken a significant step forward by opening bids for the 2021 Federal Government/Universal Basic Education Commission/State Universal Basic Education Board school intervention project.

This move follows the successful completion of projects from 2014 to 2020, signaling a continuous commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure in public basic schools.

In Ilorin, the bid opening ceremony was presided over by the Kwara Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, who highlighted the administration's dedication to paying counterpart funds. This commitment has made Kwara eligible for accessing FG/UBEC funds, aimed at upgrading school infrastructure.

“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, according to a statement by Kwara SUBEB Press Secretary, Atere Abiola.

With a total of 275 bids received for various projects, including classroom construction, toilet facilities, classroom remodeling, furniture fabrication, and borehole installation, the competition is fierce. This reflects the state government's efforts to improve educational facilities across Kwara.

SUBEB Chairman, Prof Shehu Adaramaja, expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for ensuring the payment of counterpart funds and utilizing available opportunities to enhance infrastructure and education standards.

“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 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.

Alhaji Magaji Akaje, speaking on behalf of the contractors, praised the government's transparency in the bidding process and pledged their commitment to delivering quality work if awarded the contracts.