By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Executive Chairman, Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB,
Dr. Grace Adagba has requested the training of the staff of the Board by the Bureau for Public Procurement, BPP, on e-procurement to further strengthen and enhance efficiency in procurement procedures at the Board.

The Information Officer of Benue SUBEB, Emmanuella Akese in a statement in Makurdi said Dr. Adagba made the call when she paid a courtesy visit to the Director General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, in Abuja.

The statement explained that the visit was also aimed at discussing how BPP could consider the peculiarities of each State in enforcing procurement processes, thereby promoting policies that prioritize indigenous contractors.

Dr. Adagba noted that “while Benue SUBEB has been collaborating with BPP, there is a need for procurement policies that better reflect local realities. She also requested training for SUBEB staff on e-procurement to enhance efficiency in procurement procedures.”

Responding, Dr. Adedokun disclosed that “the Bureau is working with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, on a community-based procurement system to support local contractors. And while e-procurement is still undergoing re-engineering, efforts are being made to improve transparency and efficiency in public procurement.”

The Director General who emphasized the critical role basic education plays in National development and the importance of tackling the Out-Of-School Children phenomenon, reaffirmed BPP’s commitment to collaborating with the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and all 36 SUBEBs nationwide to promote quality education in the country.

He commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his dedication to advancing basic education and driving development in the state and also urged the state to take the lead in establishing a model procurement system that other states could emulate.

Dr. Adedokun assured that BPP remains open and committed to providing guidance for a seamless and transparent procurement process in the education sector.