By MILLICENT IFEANYICHUKWU AND FLORENCE ONUEGBU

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has outlined expectations for prospective contractors bidding for 75 school infrastructure projects across the state.

The projects fall under the 2023/2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)/SUBEB Intervention Programme.

They include classroom construction and rehabilitation, furniture provision, solar-powered boreholes, sanitation facilities and other infrastructure to improve learning environments.

Speaking at a pre-bid meeting in Maryland, Ikeja, Mr Babatunde Williams, Permanent Board Member for Teachers’ Establishment, said the exercise aimed to ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

Williams, who represented LASUBEB Chairman, Dr Hakeem Shittu, said the orientation would provide bidders with information on procedures, tender requirements and project expectations.

According to him, the projects are part of government efforts to improve infrastructure and learning conditions in public schools across Lagos State.

He said the interventions were being implemented in collaboration with UBEC and would follow approved guidelines and procedures.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all projects are carried out transparently and in the best interest of learners and the education sector in Lagos State,” Williams said.

Board Secretary, Mr Hakeem Lamidi, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to transparency, fairness, accountability and due process in procurement activities.

Lamidi urged participants to pay close attention to presentations and seek clarification where necessary to ensure compliance with bidding requirements.

The Director of Procurement, Mr Taofeek Oseni, said the meeting was organised to guide intending bidders on proper bid preparation and submission procedures.

“The purpose of today’s meeting is to guide intending bidders on the best way to submit their documents so that their bids will be responsive,” Oseni said.

He added that responsive bids would stand a stronger chance during the evaluation process.

Oseni disclosed that the intervention programme comprised about 75 projects, and we are looking at engaging approximately 75 contractors for the various projects,” he said.

He advised contractors to carry out due diligence, focus on project requirements and ensure timely, quality delivery in line with contract specifications.

Oseni said some projects carried over from previous intervention programmes had been incorporated into the current exercise.

He stressed that the development was not the result of funding constraints.

The meeting attracted contractors and other stakeholders interested in participating in the school infrastructure projects across Lagos State. (NAN)