19/08/2026
ABIA ASUBEB OPENS BID PROCESS FOR 2024 AND 2025 UBE INTERVENTION PROJECTS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY AND QUALITY EDUCATION
The Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) has commenced the open and transparent bid process for the ex*****on of the 2024 and 2025 Universal Basic Education (UBE) Intervention Projects, with a renewed commitment to due process, accountability and the delivery of quality educational infrastructure across the state.
Speaking during the official opening of bids, the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Amb. Ezihe Lydia Onuoha, described the exercise as a significant milestone in the Board’s sustained efforts to improve access to quality basic education and provide a safe, modern and conducive learning environment for every child in Abia State.
Amb. Onuoha explained that the UBE Intervention Grant is a strategic funding mechanism under the Universal Basic Education intervention framework designed to support states in addressing critical needs within the basic education sector. “The intervention covers key areas including the construction and renovation of classrooms, provision of school furniture and instructional materials, digital and ICT resources, textbooks and other essential facilities aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes,” she said.
She noted that the projects align with the education transformation agenda of Abia State Executive Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, which strongly emphasises quality infrastructure, modern learning environments, teacher development, technology-driven education, accountability, and improved learning outcomes.
The ASUBEB Chairman commended Governor Otti for his unwavering commitment to the education sector and for ensuring payment of the State’s counterpart contribution, which has enabled Abia State to access and deploy funds to implement critical UBE intervention projects.
He thanked the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) for its continued partnership and support in developing basic education in Abia State.
“These interventions and the progress we are witnessing in the education sector are made possible by the visionary leadership and commitment of His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. His administration’s investment in education continues to create opportunities for us to improve schools and provide better learning environments for our children,” she stated.
She further disclosed that the interventions, which will cover the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State, include classroom construction and renovation, provision of furniture and instructional materials, distribution of textbooks, and ICT and other educational facilities.
Amb. Onuoha described the projects as practical and strategic investments in the future of Abia children, teachers, and communities, stressing that the Board would not compromise standards in executing the projects. “The bid opening marks another important step in the Abia State Government’s determination, under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to strengthen the basic education sector through transparency, strategic investment and the delivery of quality infrastructure and learning resources for the benefit of present and future generations”, she said.
She assured participants that the procurement exercise would be conducted in strict accordance with relevant public procurement laws and regulations, focusing on competence, capacity, experience, and value for money. “Abia deserves quality projects delivered on time and according to specification. We will not compromise on standards because every classroom constructed, every desk supplied and every educational resource provided represents an investment in the future of our children," she said.
She reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, due process and quality service delivery, noting that ASUBEB would continue to work in alignment with the education transformation agenda of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to build a modern, inclusive and efficient basic education system capable of preparing Abia children for the future and urged prospective contractors to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, integrity, competence and responsibility throughout the procurement and project implementation processes.
Earlier in her remarks, UBEC Executive Secretary Dr Aisha Garba, represented by UBEC coordinator Lady Unyime Umoette, commended Dr Alex Otti for his educational transformation and reminded contractors and other participants that established rules and procedures governed the bid-opening process. She urged all successful bidders to strictly comply with the terms and conditions of their contracts.
She charged contractors to execute their assignments with integrity, professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects were children and future generations.
Lady Umoette emphasised that every Abia child deserves access to quality education and a safe, conducive learning environment, warning that substandard construction and poor project ex*****on could endanger lives and undermine the intervention's objectives.
Similarly, the representative of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Umuahia Branch, Engr. Prof. Nelson Omuka, expressed appreciation to ASUBEB for inviting the Society to participate in the bid-opening exercise.
He described the involvement of professional bodies in the process as a clear demonstration of transparency, professional collaboration and recognition of the important role of engineering professionals in the development of the education sector.
Prof. Omuka commended the Governor for the ongoing transformation in the state and urged contractors handling construction and engineering-related projects to maintain close professional engagement with relevant regulatory and professional bodies.
He stressed the need for all projects to be executed strictly in accordance with approved standards, specifications and professional ethics.
In a vote of thanks, Engr. Chuks Uduma commended the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board for the hospitality and transparent conduct of the bid-opening exercise.
He lauded the Executive Chairman and the Board for upholding due process in the tender process and reaffirmed contractors' commitment to partner with the government to deliver quality projects that meet approved standards and positively impact communities across the state.
A major highlight of the event was the official opening of the bid box by Chief Mrs J. O. Kalu, marking the commencement of the public opening and review of bids submitted by prospective contractors. The exercise attracted the Full-Time Board Member I, Dr Onyebuchi Onyegbule; Board Member II, Deaconess Nwachi Nwogwogwo; Board Member III, Hon. Harrison Onuke; and representatives of ICPC, Civil Society Organisations, NSE, engineers, contractors, stakeholders, among others.
Ekeoma Lekwauwa anipr
Public Relations Officer
ASUBEB