By Joseph Obunse
The Government of Anambra State, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), is conducting the technical bid opening for intervention projects covering the years 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Prior to the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the State was unable to provide its counterpart funding for the Federal Government grants administered by UBEC. Upon assuming office, Governor Soludo cleared the outstanding contributions for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 and has subsequently fulfilled the State’s obligations for 2022, 2023 and 2024. This has enabled the State to proceed with the planned infrastructure improvements in its schools.
The Executive Chairman of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, who explained the purpose of the bidding, said that the technical bid opening is intended to create a competitive, transparent and accountable environment for the award of contracts. In accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, SUBEB and UBEC advertised the tender in two national dailies and several local newspapers over the past six weeks, thereby affording all interested parties an equal opportunity to participate.
Following today’s opening, the Board and the Commission will evaluate the technical and financial bids to identify the most responsive proposals, as required by law. Dr. Nwadinobi reiterated Governor Soludo’s directive that the procurement process be conducted strictly in accordance with established regulations and that only qualified, credible contractors be awarded contracts.
To ensure compliance, representatives from anti‑corruption agencies, the Attorney‑General’s Office and the Accountant‑General’s Office are in attendance. Dr. Nwadinobi warned that contracts previously awarded to irresponsible contractors who abandoned projects will not be tolerated, and any future breach will be prosecuted.
Mr. Kingsley Nlewedim, UBEC State Coordinator, ably represented, emphasized that the bidding process is not a guarantee of award and that all participants must adhere to the rules set out in the 2007 Public Procurement Act.
In his Welcome Remarks, the Head of the Procurement Unit, SUBEB, Mr. Chinedu Echezona, welcomed participants and noted that the team is equipped with digital tools to facilitate a transparent process. He thanked the Chairman of SUBEB for the opportunity and affirmed that the opening of the bid envelopes will be conducted in full compliance with the prescribed guidelines.
The official opening of the bid box and the subsequent verification of envelopes constitute the key highlights of the event.
Joseph is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
