The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, RSUBEB has formally commenced the bid opening proceedings for the Federal Government/Universal Basic Education Commission/State Universal Basic Education Board (FGN/UBEC/RSUBEB) Intervention Funds for the execution years 2023, 2024 and 2025

The event at Board's headquarters in Port Harcourt was specifically earmarked for the 2023 3rd and 4th Quarters, 2024 1st to 4th Quarters and 2025 1st and 2nd Quarters intervention cycle, representing a compendium of eight quarters of intervention

Delivering his address on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Samuel Ogeh, the Head of the Procurement Department extended a warm and profound welcome to all distinguished stakeholders and described the occasion as one of monumental significance for both the procuring entity and the prospective contractors.

Describing the process as one of serious import, the Procurement Head noted that both parties have assiduously laboured to ensure absolute conformity with extant statutory guidelines and procurement laws, with a view to avoiding any infraction that could compromise the integrity of the process.

Furthermore, he postulated that the bid opening exercise exerts a far-reaching impact on the ultimate realization of the Board's objectives, thereby justifying the age-long aphorism that the end justifies the means, and affirming that the Board has taken deliberate and meticulous steps to guarantee a credible outcome.

According to the Departmental Head, the successful execution of the projects will not only underscore the Executive Chairman's unwavering passion and scholarly commitment to education as an astute educationist and legal luminary, but will also consolidate the foundation previously laid for the provision of a conducive learning environment and a prosperous future for Rivers children.

Notwithstanding the series of extensions that characterized the tender process, the Board, he elucidated, remained resolute in ensuring that all lots were exhaustively advertised and duly tendered for, and consequently assured all bidders that a level playing ground has been provided for the most competent and qualified contractor to emerge.

In consonance with the Executive Secretary's mantra that all procurable items must be sustainable and enduring, he disclosed that the Board left no stone unturned in its quest to meet the set target, recognizing that any flaw at the procurement stage would inevitably jeopardize the intended outcome.

At the culmination of the projects, the Procurement Head reiterated, the Board shall showcase a remarkable and enviable outcome that will stand as a testament to transparent and purposeful leadership, while clarifying that the current phase entails the opening of technical bids only, with the financial bids to be opened at a later date to be communicated exclusively to bidders who scale through the technical evaluation. 

The Head also revealed that the current exercise witnessed a substantial increment in the volume of projects compared to the previous exercise conducted in the 2024 execution year, reflecting the Board's expanded commitment to infrastructural and educational development.

Giving a detailed breakdown, he announced that for the eight combined quarters, the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board has a cumulative total of 89 projects (lots), comprising Physical Infrastructure (Construction and Renovation) – 66 lots; Procurement and Supply of Furniture and Fittings – 12 lots; Procurement of Teaching and Learning Materials – 6 lots; Procurement of Mobility – 4 lots; and ICT Infrastructure – 1 lot, all meticulously selected to address contemporary realities in the state.

In conclusion, he admonished bidders to strictly adhere to all established instructions and to seek clarification from technical officers where necessary, reiterating that it is not the lowest bid but the most responsive and responsible bid that shall be selected, and wishing all participants the best of luck. 

The well attended ceremony had in attendance the Chairman of RSUBEB, the Secretary and Board Members, Directors of RSUBEB, representatives of UBEC, ICPC and other sister agencies, members of Civil Society Organizations, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Rivers State Chapter, esteemed bidders and gentlemen of the press.