Contractors handling the ₦7.1 billion Universal Basic Education (UBE) intervention projects in Akwa Ibom State have been warned against cutting corners or using substandard materials, with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) vowing to ensure strict compliance with approved specifications.
The Executive Chairman of Akwa Ibom SUBEB, Mr Anietie Etuk, issued the warning during the opening of bids for the 2026 UBE intervention projects at the board’s secretariat in Uyo.
Etuk said the board was determined to ensure that every project delivered value for the huge public funds committed to basic education, stressing that the quality of the projects would be closely monitored.
About 30 schools across the state are expected to benefit from the intervention, with the projects scheduled for completion within three months.
The SUBEB chairman charged successful contractors to regard the assignment as a responsibility to the education system rather than merely another government contract.
According to him, the materials and workmanship deployed on the projects must justify the substantial investment in the sector.
“We are committed to transparency, due process and accountability in the procurement and execution of these projects,” Etuk said.
“We will not compromise on quality.”
He urged contractors to strictly comply with project specifications and completion timelines, warning that any attempt to lower standards could undermine the benefits of the intervention for pupils, teachers and host communities.
Also speaking, the South-South Zonal Director of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Mr Akpanossom Udoh, called for strict accountability and effective supervision of the projects.
Udoh charged technical advisers responsible for monitoring the projects to carry out their duties without fear or favour, saying effective supervision was essential to ensuring value for the ₦7.1 billion investment.
He also called for the timely release of funds to facilitate smooth execution and enable contractors to deliver the projects within the stipulated three-month period.
Udoh said strict adherence to specifications and proper monitoring would be crucial to preventing poorly executed projects and ensuring that the facilities were durable enough to improve learning conditions in beneficiary schools.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, commended SUBEB for its emphasis on transparency and accountability.
John pledged the media’s support in monitoring the projects and urged contractors to justify the confidence reposed in them by delivering quality and durable infrastructure.
He said the projects should serve the pupils, teachers and host communities for many years.
