The Executive Chairman of Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB), Her Excellency, Lady Dr Ada Okwuonu, has lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma, for approving construction of new projects, renovation of dilapidated classroom blocks, sinking of boreholes, provision of school desks, solar lights among others in public primary schools across the state.
This encomium was poured on the Governor when the Chairman presented an address during the Technical Bid Opening of 2018, 2019 and 2020 UBEC/IMSUBEB Projects, last week, at the IMSUBEB Office, Owerri.
The former Deputy Governor of Imo State posited that the Governor being an education loving human approved the erection of these projects to viably create conducive and serene environments for the promotion of teaching and learning in government owned schools.
Stating that the contractors who will handle these projects will be fairly selected by the Evaluation Department of IMSUBEB after their Bids have been painstakingly, thoroughly assessed, Okwuonu hinted that “these projects will be handed over to credible developers. We do not want developers who will give us substandard jobs and still put the lives of the learners at risk”, urging the prospective developers to do quality jobs as requested by government to enhance education in public schools to produce expected future leaders of the state.
While thanking all for being at the Technical Bid Opening ceremony, Okwuonu added that she gave IMSUBEB office a facelift when she newly assumed office because she wants a neat and enticing working space for staff and board members.
“The Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has graciously given us approval to carry out projects in our schools ranging from construction of new classroom blocks, renovation of dilapidated school buildings, boreholes, provision of school desks, solar lights among others. All these projects are meant to provide conducive atmosphere for teaching and and learning in government schools”, Okwuonu stressed.
Okwuonu who frowned that most of the dilapidated structures have become deathtraps given to lack of maintenance over the years, pointed out that pupils even sit on the bare floor to learn while teachers use blocks as sits and tables, saying these deficiencies are going to be taken care of soon, noting that, Civil Society Groups, Commissioner for Education, Prof. John-Cliff Nwadike, UBEC, ICPC representatives were around to witness the Bid Opening, urging the would be developers to complete the projects within expected time as staff will ensure regular supervisio.
In an interview, Secretary,
Board of IMSUBEB, Hon. Chief Chidiebere Egbuo, said the Technical Bid Opening was needful as such would enable the Board know developers who are qualified to do the projects to achieve expected goal.
In their words, HOD, Works Department, Chijioke Onyenobi, Directors of Procurement, Finance and Accounts Njoku Irene Chinyere, Okoro Theresa, Board Member representing Ministry of Education in IMSUBEB, Lady Dorothy Mirikwe and SA to Governor on IMSUBEB, Mrs Stella Ukaegbu, said the Bid Opening was thrown open for all eligible and law abiding developers to apply and involve in the Bidding.
With one of the developers, Hon Gilbert Okolie, commending Uzodimma for the effort in facilitating viable education in the state, saying they are happy that the Governor is carrying out such projects, telling them to remain committed in delivering quality jobs.