WIKE URGES UBEC TO IMPROVE MONITORING OF BASIC EDUCATION PROJECTS

The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike on Tuesday urged the Universal Basic Education Commission to improve its monitoring and evaluation of basic education projects.

Wike, who made the call while monitoring the Federal Government Special Girl-Child School project in Lafia, Nasarawa State, said that the practice would ensure that the projects achieved their desired results.

He expressed disappointment over the poor supervision of construction work in the school.

He regretted that the quality of job carried out by the contractor under the supervision of UBEC consultant was below the specification of the Federal Government.

“I wonder why UBEC consultant would write the UBEC management claiming that the school has been fully completed and initiating the takeover process for the school.

“What has happened here today is the reason why I insist on personally monitoring projects to know their status.

“I am not happy with this job. The UBEC consultant and the official who commenced the takeover process will be sanctioned,'' he said.

He said that the Federal Government would not condone shoddy execution of basic education projects.

Wike also visited Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura where he urged the state to improve the surveillance of the State Universal Basic Education Board on diversion of books meant for the less-privileged.

Responding, Gov. Al-Makura said that Federal Government's investment in education was necessary to engender development across the country.

He commended the minister for his on-the-spot monitoring of projects, saying, “non-performing contractors have no hiding place under such a system.'' (NAN)