The Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Awka, has officially commenced the technical bid opening process for executing the 2022, 2023, and 2024 intervention fund projects for Primary and Junior Secondary Schools under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grant scheme.

 The event, held at the Utility Hall of ASUBEB headquarters in Awka, brought together key stakeholders, including ASUBEB staff and board members, contractors, Civil Society Organisations, and representatives of UBEC, ICPC, EFCC, the State Bureau of Public Procurement Commission, and officials from the Attorney General and Accountant General’s offices.

In her address, ASUBEB Executive Chairman, Dr. Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for enabling the state to access the UBEC grants by clearing the 2019, 2020, and 2021 backlog of counterpart funds and paying for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 schemes. 

She emphasized that the governor’s commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for Anambra learners extends to his promise to pay for the 2025 scheme. Dr. Nwadinobi assured attendees that the technical bid opening aligns with the 2007 Public Procurement Act (PPA) and reflects principles of competition, transparency, and accountability. 

She further noted that the board’s Technical Evaluation Committee would review bids in the coming days to ensure only competent contractors are awarded projects, as directed by the governor.

The Head of Procurement at ASUBEB, Mr. Echezona Chinedu, reinforced the commitment to transparency, stating that all contractors who meet the advertised requirements would have a fair chance in the process. Representing UBEC, Mr. Kingsley Nlewedim, the Anambra State Coordinator, praised the transparent process and urged successful contractors to meet quality standards and adhere to project timelines.

Other ASUBEB officials, including Board Secretary Lady Loveline Mgbemena, Board Member Hon. Ify Anatune, Matching Grant Desk Officer Barr. Eucharia Ohuoha, and Deputy Director of Physical Planning Esv. Obinna Nwachukwu, highlighted the importance of proper documentation and Governor Soludo’s unwavering dedication to enhancing education infrastructure in the state.

Several contractors, including Engr. Pius Akam, Chief Raymond Uchebo, and Dr. Tochukwu Obiadi, commended the transparency of the process and pledged to deliver quality results if awarded contracts. The event concluded with the opening, sorting, and documentation of submitted bids in the presence of all stakeholders.