Grace Adagba, executive chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said the board has largely completed over 500 projects, with about 100 currently ongoing across the state.
She noted that compared with the 2023 project cycle, the 2025 projects are progressing more smoothly, with noticeable improvements in the quality of work across sites.
However, she expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some contractors who are lagging behind approved project schedules.
Adagba issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the contractor handling the borehole project at LGEA Primary School, Ihugh, Vandeikya, to complete the work or forfeit the retention fee.
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She disclosed this on Thursday during an on-the-spot monitoring of 2025 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and SUBEB matching grant projects across selected Local Government Education Authorities.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the information officer of Benue SUBEB, Emmanuella Akese.
The projects, which commenced about two months ago, include construction of new storey classroom blocks, renovation of existing classrooms, provision of furniture, and water and sanitation facilities.
According to her, the interventions are aimed at improving the learning environment in basic education schools across Benue State.
Adagba emphasised that payments are based strictly on valuation, explaining that contractors are paid according to the level of work completed at each execution stage.
She said contractors must adhere strictly to minimum standards and approved specifications in executing SUBEB projects.
Accompanied by members of the SUBEB Project Design and Monitoring Committee, Adagba inspected project sites across three Local Government Education Authorities.
She explained that contractors are required to promptly correct anomalies identified by the monitoring team and report back immediately.
According to her, contractors who receive corrective notices more than three times will no longer be eligible to bid for SUBEB projects.
She stressed that only contractors who comply strictly with project specifications will be paid for executed works.
Adagba said the board has ensured that project execution processes are seamless, adding that contractors do not need to visit the board to follow up on payments.
She advised contractors to focus on compliance at project sites, assuring them that adherence guarantees prompt payment.
Speaking, Eric Gowon, chairman of the Project Design and Monitoring Committee, said the committee conducts sensitisation sessions for contractors after contract awards.
He explained that contractors are briefed on project timelines and are required to submit detailed work programmes.
Gowon said the committee comprises professionals who can be consulted by contractors facing design or execution challenges.
He added that the committee undertakes process monitoring, rather than end-product monitoring alone, to ensure quality delivery.
According to him, the ultimate goal is to provide a conducive learning environment for the Benue child.
Responding on behalf of the contractors, Terna Tar of Scamps Limited assured the board of strict adherence to approved specifications on the elevated building under construction.
Schools visited during the monitoring include NKST Primary School, Asukunya, Tarka, and St. James Primary School, Yandev.
Others are NKST Primary School, Genyi; NKST Primary School Orphanage, Mkar, all in Gboko Local Government Education Authority.
Also visited were RCM Primary School, Ihugh; LGEA Primary School, Bako; LGEA Primary School, Abaki; and RCM Primary School, Ugye.
The monitoring exercise also covered LGEA Primary School, Vandeikya Central, all within Vandeikya Local Government Education Authority.
