No fewer than 32 companies have so far submitted bids for AGILE contracts in Sokoto State, an official disclosed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the contracts covered the construction of laboratories, multipurpose halls, solar installations, and supply of school furniture under the Sokoto State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE).
Other items in the bid include the construction of administrative blocks, and the supply of computers and digital teaching tools to 28 Junior and Senior Secondary Schools across the state.
Declaring the process open on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ladan Ala, said the exercise was conducted in line with due process and regulatory standards.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Sanusi Aliyu-Binji, Ala assured bidders of fairness and transparency.
He said the ministry had no interest in any particular bidder, and stressed that the government would not accept substandard work from any contractor.
According to him, the bidding process reflects the current administration’s commitment to selecting competent companies that will deliver quality projects to improve learning outcomes in schools across the state.
The commissioner also commended Gov. Ahmad Aliyu for his support for the education sector and urged all education stakeholders to remain committed to their responsibilities for the sector to thrive.
Earlier, the Sokoto State Project Coordinator of AGILE, Dr Mansur Isah-Buhari, challenged successful bidders to strictly adhere to the terms of the contract agreement to ensure the realization of project goals.
Represented by the Deputy Coordinator, Dr Kabiru Gobir, Isah-Buhari said the items were intended to raise the standard of education at various levels in the state.
The AGILE Chief Procurement Officer, Alhaji Shehu Garba, who conducted the process, said the lots were advertised in national dailies and attracted applications from companies across the country.
Garba noted that all statutory processes were duly followed, and that representatives of bidding companies as well as recognized observers witnessed the exercise.
The event was attended by the Executive Secretary of the Female Education Board, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar; the Executive Secretary of the Agency for Mass Education, Dr Nura Bello; the representative of the Due Process Department, Mr Nasiru Shehu; and the State ANCOPSS President, Alhaji Ikililu Abubakar. (NAN).
