As part of efforts to further enhance the learning environment within Ogun State’s basic education sector, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has announced the tendering of 150 contract bids under the 2020/2021 UBEC–SUBEB Intervention Fund.

The tendering exercise, which took place at the Board’s headquarters in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, brought together contractors and bidders from all three senatorial Districts of the State.

Speaking at the event, SUBEB Chairman, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, described the process as the outcome of meticulous planning and extensive data gathering. He explained that Engineers and technical officers had earlier conducted comprehensive assessments of public basic schools across the 20 Local Government Areas.

According to him, “Schools requiring rehabilitation, reconstruction or a general facelift were identified, and the data collected formed the basis of the projects being tendered today.”

Ifede assured bidders that successful contractors would be selected strictly on merit bases bearing in mind the financial capability, technical competence and relevant work experience of the bidder. He added that funds would be released in phases according to approved project milestones.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Coordinator of UBEC, Mr. Sola Badmus, emphasized the importance of the tendering process in achieving UBEC’s mandate,   noting that the exercise aligned with the Commission’s first strategic pillar, which focused on expanding access to quality basic education.

In his welcome address, the Board Secretary, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, reaffirmed SUBEB’s commitment to due process and urged contractors that would eventually be considered to ensure high-quality execution of all awarded projects.

The representative of the State Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Akindele Akinrinmade, pointed out the transparency and significance of the exercise, assuring that the agency would ensure value for money throughout the procurement and implementation stages.

The Head of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Unit, Mr. Adesegun Adesina, commended the Board for extending the process to NGOs, describing the initiative as a “people-driven government partnership”, while pledging continued collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Hon. Afolabi Soyoye and Mr. Gazal Olasunkanmi appreciated the Board’s efforts and appealed for a speedy bidding process to allow timely mobilization to project sites and prompt completion of works.