The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has emphasised that only contractors who comply strictly with project specifications will be paid.
Dr. Adagba made this statement during an on-the-spot monitoring of projects executed under the 2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and SUBEB Matching Grant Intervention across selected Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in the state.
The projects, which commenced about two months ago, include new construction of storey classroom buildings, renovation of existing classroom blocks, provision of furniture, as well as water and sanitation facilities aimed at improving the learning environment in basic education schools.
Speaking during an interview, Dr. Adagba stressed that contractors must strictly adhere to minimum standards and approved specifications in the execution of SUBEB projects.
She added that contractors are expected to promptly correct any anomalies identified by the monitoring team and report back immediately.
According to Dr. Adagba, contractors who receive corrections more than three times will no longer be eligible to tender for SUBEB projects.
She stated, “Only contractors who comply strictly with project specifications will be paid. The Board has ensured that everything concerning project execution is seamless. Contractors do not need to come to the Board to follow up on payments. Just make sure you do the right thing on site, and you will be paid.”
Dr. Adagba expressed displeasure with the performance of some contractors who have been working at a slow pace and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the contractor handling the borehole project at LGEA Primary School, Ihugh, to complete the work or forfeit the retention fee.
“Payments on our projects are based on valuation. It is how much you have done at each stage of execution that determines how much you are paid,” she emphasised.
The Chairman of the Project Design and Monitoring Committee, Engr. Dr. Eric Gowon, explained that after contract awards, the committee conducts sensitisation sessions for contractors to clearly outline project timelines, after which contractors submit their work programmes.
One of the contractors, Arc. Terna Tar of Scamts Limited, assured the Board that he is doing his best to ensure that the elevated building he is constructing strictly follows approved specifications.
Schools visited during the monitoring exercise include NKST Primary School Asukunya, St. James Primary School Yandev, NKST Primary School Genyi, NKST Primary School Orphanage, Mkar, and others.
