According to news report from Leadership, the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KwSUBEB) has opened bids for at least 315 applicants seeking contracts for the execution of the 2022 and 2023 SUBEB/UBEC school projects in the state.

The two-year bidding process will cover six categories of school intervention projects, including the construction of two blocks of classrooms with offices, the construction of a block of VIP toilets with four compartments in 28 locations, the remodelling and renovation of 136 classrooms, the provision of 7,756 units of furniture for pupils, the provision of 877 units of furniture for teachers, and the supply of water and sanitation in 15 locations.

At a brief ceremony in Ilorin, the chairman of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Salihu Baba, stated that the bidding for the 2022 and 2023 school projects underscores the state government's commitment to developing infrastructure in public basic schools. He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his significant investments in key capital projects like education and urged the prospective contractors to ensure that quality work is delivered according to specifications.

“As contractors, I want to advise that you should carry along members of the communities where the projects would be situated, and this step should not be at the expense of delivering quality jobs,” he said.

The state chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Sheu Adaramaja, in his remarks, said the government has been consistent and up-to-date with the payment of counterpart funds, a commitment he noted gives the state a license to access capital to change the fortune of its education sector.

He assured the contractors that the selection of lucky ones will be based on merits, and that the process will be devoid of political interference.

“This exercise is another competition as it used to be because of the size and number of the projects to be awarded. In addition, the bids we are here to open today are for the year 2022 and 2023 FGN/UBEC/SUBEB intervention projects in line with Bureau of Procurement and Kwara State Public Procurement Agency Act.

“I want to commend Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his giant steps on the continuous payment of State counterpart funds, in the last four years, His Excellency has paid counterpart funds for years 2014-2023,” he said.

Adaramaja also appreciated the management of the Universal Basic Education Commission( UBEC), the Bureau of Public Procurement Abuja and other agencies and stakeholders that contributed to the success of the exercise.

One of the bidders, Alh Suleiman Oba – Wakasi, who spoke on behalf of others, expressed their satisfaction with the manner the bidding was carried out, and pledged not to compromise standards when awarded the contracts.

He also lauded the governor for his leadership style and how his administration continues to take the development of education and other key sectors with all seriousness.