Akwa Ibom State Government opens bids for 2019 UBEintervention projects
In an effort to give Basic Schools the required facilities, the Akwa Ibom State Government has opened bids for the implementation of the 2019 UBE Matching Grant Intervention Projects in the State.
The event which was championed by the State Universal Basic Education Board took place last Wednesday at the Board’s Headquarters, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof Maria Ikorok averred that the exercise is meant to implement a crucial phase of the Due Process for contract awards as provided by the Bureau of Public Procurement Act 2007.
Prof Ikorok, noted that the process of Bid Opening which was advertised six weeks ago in both national and local dailies got the approval of the Akwa Ibom State Government as well as Universal Basic Education Commission, Abuja.
She revealed that after this stage, the Technical Evaluation Committee would conclude the process by making adequate validation and recommendation, to pave way for the selection of successful contractors.
The Chairman, applauded the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the unparalleled commitment accorded Basic Education sub-sector in the state.
In her words “the priority the Governor gives to the financing of Matching Grant Intervention Projects cannot be overemphasised. His Excellency committed a huge sum to the payment of the counterpart fund since march this year, which facilitated the State’ speedy access to the funds and commencement of the Bid process”.
Prof Ikorok further stated that the State Government has gone beyond this to provide textbooks, sports facilities, science equipment, desks, tables, statutory records, educational materials for quality teaching at the Basic Schools as well as the expansion of infrastructure through the State Inter-ministerial Projects.
She commended Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja for the collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State to contribute to the successes of the UBE Matching Grant projects and other Basic Education activities in the State.
While stating that the present SUBEB has earned several accolades since its conception, the Don attested that such feat is made possible through the responsiveness and dedication of the Board’ staff, therefore, she admonished those who may not have inculcated the culture, to borrow a leaf.
She particularly commended the technical crew who facilitated the assessment for identification of intervention requirements, packaging of the action plan, Bills of Quantities, technical/structural drawings and the processes of opening of the Bid.
Prof Ikorok who highlighted the benefits of prospective contractors, urged them, if selected, to painstakingly go through the content of Contract Agreement and Bills of Quantity to comprehend the conditions, before commencement of work.
The SUBEB Boss hinted that funds for the execution of the projects has been made available by Government, therefore, contracting firm can access the funds, if such a contractor meets the timeline.
She disclosed that contract jobs tendered for included Boreholes, conveniences, Supplies of various items, Construction and Renovation of classrooms.
Earlier, setting the tone of the event, the Permanent Secretary, SUBEB, Elder Ezekiel Umoh, said the exercise is aimed at giving Basic Schools a face lift.
He however regretted that COVID-19 stalled the early commencement of the process, but express optimism that since it has been conducted, there is hope for completion.
In their speeches, UBEC South-South Zonal Director, Uyo Office, Mr. Osahon Igbinoba, and Representative to State Council Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Dominic Akpan lauded the State Government and SUBEB for enhancing a level playing ground, adding that the exercise is fair, credible, satisfactory and in line with the provisions of the BPP Act of 2007.
In their remarks, Representative to prospective contracting firms, Ekubem Enterprise, Elder Ekpenyong Etim and Projects Terrain Integrated Services, Mr. Cletus Ufia, commended the State Government, UBEC and SUBEB for displaying fairness in the process of selecting benefiting firms.
They reasoned that, if their firms are eventually selected, strict adherence to the terms of contract would be upheld.
The Climax of the event witnessed the Technical crew, who facilitated the accreditation of offers, where the bid box was officially opened, contracting firms, the job tendered, amount for the jobs read out and recorded.
The event was observed by Board Member 1, Hon. Bernard Duncan, Board Member 2, Bishop Ime Ekpe, Board Member 3, Hon Inibehe Etukudo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Barr. Uduak Eyo-Nsa, Director Pre-Primary, Primary & Special Education, Ministry of Education, Barr. Theresa Attih, Director, Account/Finance, Ministry of Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Mark Akpan, SUBEB Directors, Contractors and staffer in the Board.
