The Ekiti State Government has commenced the bid opening process for the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)/State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) intervention projects, following the payment of over ₦6 billion in matching grants to UBEC since 2022 by Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.
Speaking at the bid opening ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, the Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Prof. Femi Akinwumi, described the event as a follow-up to the substantial financial commitment made by Governor Oyebanji. He said the move signals another bold step in the state government’s drive to provide free, quality education to all school-age children in Ekiti State.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring children across all communities in the state have access to a conducive teaching and learning environment in public schools,” Akinwumi said.
Under the 2024 UBEC/SUBEB intervention programme, various projects will be executed in government-owned primary and junior secondary schools across the state. These include the construction of classroom blocks, perimeter fencing, water system toilets with deep wells and pumping machines, overhead tanks, and generators. Also planned are the renovation of existing classroom blocks, drilling of modern boreholes with accompanying generators and overhead tanks, and the procurement of furniture for teachers and pupils.
Akinwumi noted that the Oyebanji-led administration has continued to prioritize education sector development through consistent funding and personnel support. He cited achievements such as the regular payment of school running grants, provision of instructional materials, regular teacher training, and the issuance of car and housing loans to teachers. Notably, he highlighted the elevation of degree-holding teachers from Grade Level 15 to Grade Level 16.
Commissioners for Project Management, Dr. Kayode Adeoye, and Human Resource Management, Dr. Olufunke Fajobi, jointly urged contractors to adhere strictly to project specifications and standards. They emphasized that the Board would not tolerate substandard work and would ensure compliance with all quality assurance protocols.
In his remarks, Acting Permanent Secretary of Ekiti SUBEB, Mr. Olufemi Dada, assured stakeholders of a transparent bidding process. He emphasized that all contractors would be treated equally and that the process adhered to due diligence, as it was monitored by representatives from the State Bureau of Public Procurement, the Bureau of Special Projects, the Ministry of Justice, and other relevant oversight bodies.
A symbolic examination of submitted tenders by two contractors and the public opening of bids by SUBEB leadership and other dignitaries formed part of the highpoints of the ceremony, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public procurement.
