By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Grace Adagba, has carried out an on-the-spot monitoring of ongoing projects being 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, included the construction of new storey classroom buildings, renovation of existing classroom blocks, provision of furniture, and installation of water and sanitation facilities aimed at improving the learning environment in public primary schools.

The Information Officer of the Board, Emmanuella Akese in a statement Wednesday, stressed that Dr. Adagba, who was accompanied by members of the SUBEB Project Design and Monitoring Committee, monitored project sites across three LGEAs.

Speaking at one of the sites, she stressed that contractors must strictly adhere to approved specifications and standards in the execution of SUBEB projects.

“Contractors are expected to promptly correct any anomalies identified by the monitoring team and report back immediately. Any contractor who receives corrections more than three times will no longer be eligible to tender for SUBEB projects,” she warned.

She further emphasized that payment would only be made to contractors who comply fully with project specifications, noting that the Board had put in place a seamless process for project execution and payment.

“Only contractors who comply strictly with project specifications will be paid. 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 stated.

Comparing the current projects with those executed in 2023, the SUBEB boss noted that the 2024 projects were progressing more smoothly with noticeable improvement in the quality of work. However, she expressed dissatisfaction with some contractors who were behind schedule.

Dr. Adagba issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the contractor handling the borehole project at LGEA Primary School, Ihugh, to complete the work or risk forfeiting 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 added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the SUBEB Project Design and Monitoring Committee, Engr. Dr. Eric Gowon, said contractors were adequately guided from the onset of project execution through regular engagement and monitoring.

“After contract awards, we conduct sensitization sessions for contractors to clearly outline project timelines, after which contractors submit their work programmes. We are a team of professionals. If contractors have issues with project design or execution, they can reach out to us,” he explained.

According to him, the committee focuses on process monitoring rather than end-product monitoring to ensure quality delivery.

“Our goal is to ensure a conducive learning environment for the Benue child,” Engr. Gowon said.

One of the contractors, Arc. Terna Tar of Scamts Limited, assured the Board of strict compliance with approved specifications in the construction of an elevated building at one of the project sites.

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, RCM Primary School Ihugh, LGEA Primary School Bako, LGEA Primary School Abaki, RCM Primary School Ugye, and LGEA Primary School Vandeikya Central.

The statement noted that the monitoring exercise underscored SUBEB’s commitment to quality assurance and improved infrastructure delivery in basic education across Benue State.