By Omowunmi Sanni

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has commenced the bid-opening process for the 2023/2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Intervention Projects, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and quality project delivery in the sector.

The bid opening exercise followed the close of submissions on Tuesday, marking the end of the bidding phase and commencement of evaluation process.

A total of 75 contractors participated in the exercise and submitted bids for consideration under the intervention projects, with successful bidders expected to be announced upon completion of the assessment process, in line with procurement guidelines.

Speaking during the ceremony, LASUBEB Chairman, Dr Hakeem Shittu, described the exercise as an important stage in ensuring fairness and openness in government procurement.

According to him, the projects were publicly advertised, and bidders were given the required time to submit their applications before it kicked off.

He added that Lagos State has continued to strengthen public procurement through technology adoption, pointing out that the electronic process allows stakeholders to observe proceedings openly.

He advised contractors who would eventually succeed to focus on quality delivery, while compling with approved timelines.

Shittu reminded that contractors must execute projects strictly in accordance with specifications, and ensure that standards are maintained throughout implementation.

He further disclosed that the board would deploy competent engineers and technical professionals to supervise implementation, and ensure that projects are delivered in accordance with approved standards.

On his part, the Chief Procurement Officer of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA), Ogundare Akintayo, said all submitted bids would proceed to evaluation, before successful ones are announced.

Akintayo added that when shortcomings are identified, the supervising ministry communicates observations for correction, while procurement regulations impose sanctions on contractors who fail to meet their obligations.

Representing the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the State Coordinator, Sunday Joshua, commended Lagos State’s adoption of technology in public procurement.

He noted that the transition from paper-based bidding to an electronic process has improved openness and strengthened confidence in project implementation

Joshua added that monitoring of project implementation would involve collaboration between UBEC and LASUBEB, to ensure that standards are maintained and public funds are effectively utilised.

He advised contractors to deliver projects that would stand the test of time, and contribute positively to educational development.

The intervention projects are expected to support infrastructure development across Lagos public schools through classroom construction, renovation works and other educational improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening teaching and learning outcomes.