Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has commenced review of contract bids for the reconstruction of 230 public schools across the 18 Local Government Areas in the state.
Special Adviser to the governor on Basic Education, and acting chairperson, Edo SUBEB, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe, who presided over the process in Benin City, said the renovation work will include various levels of repairs and/or overhaul in the 230 schools. She said Governor Godwin Obaseki administration intends to renovate over 1,200 public schools in the state, but that the first batch of 230 schools are captured in the pilot phase of the exercise.
According to her,”The schools were selected to represent all wards in the state. Wards with higher population have more schools captured for renovation. “The second phase of the exercise will include schools that are in deplorable state, requiring major re-construction work or complete overhaul. “This step became necessary in line the Obaseki’s administration’s insistence on transparency in awarding contracts.”
Oviawe explained that the bidding was carried out openly before contractors so that those bidding for contracts will have first-hand details for each bid and exact fund allocated. She said a technical committee was set up to review the process and ensure the biding was transparent and done in line with laid down procedures, adding that the committee is expected to make recommendations for final selection of contractors.
She also noted that the governor’s drive to improve access to quality basic education is to build a solid base for the revival of the education sector, noting that “a standard primary school in Edo State should have perimeter fencing; access to electricity powered through renewable solar energy; water supply; play ground; furniture; toilet facilities; and mini-library for each classroom.” One of the contractors, who participated in the bidding process, Mr. Austine Aimiuwu commended the state government for ensuring a transparent bidding for the contracts.
