Jigawa SUBEB Orders Renovation of 1,500 Classrooms, Warns Contractors Against Shoddy Jobs

Jigawa SUBEB Orders Renovation of 1,500 Classrooms, Warns Contractors Against Shoddy Jobs

The Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Haruna Musa, has announced the immediate commencement of renovation works on 1,500 classroom blocks across the state, stressing that the administration has drawn a battle line against substandard engineering.

Addressing contractors and stakeholders during the bid opening ceremony at the Board’s headquarters in Dutse, Prof. Musa maintained that the era of contractors collecting public funds for poor-quality infrastructure is over. He revealed that contracts worth over N400 million have been earmarked for the project, which aims to overhaul the learning environment for basic education pupils.

“Our commitment to revitalizing the education sector in Jigawa is non-negotiable. We will heavily monitor every stage of this renovation to ensure value for money,” the SUBEB Chairman said.

Zero Tolerance for Substandard Projects

Prof. Musa sounded a harsh warning to successful bidders, drawing attention to the rapid deterioration of school buildings constructed by previous vendors. He criticized the anomaly where relatively new structures require renovation shortly after commissioning, labeling it a disservice to the state’s future.

He noted: “It is disheartening to see classrooms built just a year or two ago already falling apart. This is a trend we are determined to stop. The government is investing heavily, and we expect results that stand the test of time.”

“We have always been unhappy when contractors cut corners. But the language of engagement has changed. If you deliver a job that does not meet our specifications, you will not only be blacklisted but will also be asked to refund the state. The Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, has given us a clear mandate: quality or nothing.”

The Chairman clarified that the board has instituted new monitoring protocols. He insisted that technical teams would be deployed to sites unannounced to verify the quality of materials used, from roofing sheets to cement mixtures.

N400 Million Injection for Infrastructure

The renovation project, which covers 1,500 classrooms, represents a significant chunk of the state’s emergency intervention in the education sector. The N400 million investment is targeted at fixing dilapidated roofs, broken floors, and damaged walls that have made learning difficult for pupils, especially during the rainy season.

Speaking on the transparency of the process, Prof. Musa stated that the bidding process was thrown open to ensure that only capable firms were selected. He added that the selection was not based on favoritism but on technical capacity and track record.

“If this bidding process had been shrouded in secrecy, we would not have the moral ground to demand quality. But because we have followed due process, we have the right to demand the best. We are hoping that successful contractors will move to site immediately after mobilization,” he added.

“If any contractor thinks this is business as usual, they are in for a shock. We will report back to the Governor on the progress of every single classroom block. We are not just renovating buildings; we are rebuilding trust in public education.”

Addressing the ‘Dual Assault’ on Education

Similar to the concerns raised by unions like ASUU regarding federal universities, Jigawa State is grappling with its own challenges. Prof. Musa drew a parallel between the physical decay of schools and the decline in student enrollment. He argued that a hostile learning environment is a major contributor to the out-of-school children phenomenon.

“You cannot expect a child to learn in a classroom without a roof or where the floor is broken. The environment itself is a teacher. By fixing these 1,500 classrooms, we are directly attacking one of the root causes of poor academic performance,” Musa explained.

The project aligns with Governor Umar Namadi’s 12-point agenda, which prioritizes education as a pillar of state development. The administration has recently moved to recruit more teachers, but stakeholders agree that infrastructure must match personnel improvements.

Strict Timelines and Mobilization

The Board has set strict timelines for the completion of the renovations. Prof. Musa indicated that the projects are time-sensitive and must be delivered to allow students to utilize the facilities in the coming academic term.

He added: “There is no room for indefinite delays. The timeline is part of the contract. If you cannot deliver within the specified period, do not accept the offer. We have students waiting to use these classrooms.”

“We will continue to fight for the dignity of the Jigawa child. Whether it is through teacher training or infrastructure upgrades, the standard must be raised. This N400 million is just a phase; more interventions are in the pipeline, but they depend on the success of this batch.”

According to official records from the [Link: Jigawa State Government Official Portal], the state has one of the highest numbers of nomadic and conventional primary schools in the Northwest region, making infrastructure maintenance a logistical challenge that requires constant funding.

Community Oversight Encouraged

In a move to ensure accountability, the SUBEB boss also called on School Based Management Committees (SBMCs) and local community leaders to act as watchdogs. He urged communities to report any contractor who appears to be using inferior materials or abandoning the site.

“The schools belong to the community. While the government provides the funds, the community must provide the vigilance. If you see something wrong at the site, report to us immediately. Don’t wait until the contractor has left,” Musa advised.

The renovation drive is expected to cover schools across all the local government areas in the state, prioritizing those with the most severe structural defects.

The “Gist” (Key Takeaways)

• The Scope: Jigawa SUBEB has awarded contracts worth over N400 million for the renovation of 1,500 classroom blocks.

• The Warning: Executive Chairman Prof. Haruna Musa issued a strict warning against “shoddy jobs,” citing that schools built only 1-2 years ago are already crumbling.

• Accountability: Contractors delivering substandard work face blacklisting and potential refunds; new monitoring protocols are in place.

• Context: This project is part of Governor Umar Namadi’s education revitalization plan to improve learning conditions and reduce out-of-school figures.

• Call to Action: Communities and SBMCs are urged to monitor ongoing projects and report poor quality work to the Board immediately.