Sokoto govt launches bidding process for major school infrastructure projects

The Sokoto State Government, through the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, has commenced the bidding process for a major infrastructure upgrade in 100 schools across the state.

The initiative aims to equip schools with digital teaching materials, solar power systems and essential furniture for classrooms, laboratories and administrative blocks. It also includes the procurement of consumable and non-consumable materials for livelihood training programmes.

The bid opening ceremony was held at the AGILE Project Office on Garba Nadama Road in Sokoto, with 31 companies participating in the competitive bidding process.

The event was declared open by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Sanusi Aliyu Binji.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Binji assured bidders of a transparent and fair procurement process, stressing the government’s commitment to quality and its determination to reject substandard work.

He said the administration remained committed to improving educational standards by engaging competent contractors capable of delivering quality projects.

Dr Binji also commended the AGILE Project Management Team for its progress in school construction and the provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities. He further acknowledged Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s continued support for the education sector and urged stakeholders to sustain their commitment to improving learning outcomes across the state.

The Sokoto State AGILE Project Coordinator, Dr Mansur Isah Buhari, represented by the Deputy Project Coordinator, Dr Kabir Garba Gobir, urged successful bidders to adhere strictly to contract specifications to ensure timely and quality project delivery.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Executive Secretary of the Female Education Board, Shehu Aliyu; a representative of the State Due Process Office, Nasiru Shehu; and the State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Muhammad Ikililu Abubakar.

In his closing remarks, the Executive Secretary of the State Agency for Mass Education, Dr Nura Bello Abubakar, thanked participants and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a procurement process anchored on due process, transparency and accountability.

Among those in attendance were the Director of Examinations Matters, Abubakar Abdullahi; the Director of Quality Assurance, Abdulkadir Umar Alkammawa; the Director of Finance, Badamasi Garba Giwa; the AGILE Components Lead, Suleiman Musa; as well as other senior government officials and education stakeholders.