Our Reporter, Abuja
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability across Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Didi Walson-Jack, met with Heads of Federal Tertiary Institutions and the Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adedokun A. Adebowale, on Wednesday.
The meeting, which focused on strengthening integrity, leadership, and accountability in procurement processes within the education sector, brought together vice chancellors, provosts, and rectors from federal universities, colleges, and polytechnics.
In his presentation, “Emerging Challenges in Procurement Processes and Compliance Issues,” Dr. Adebowale emphasized the importance of ethical leadership, adherence to due process, and the institutionalization of best practices for transparent and efficient procurement.
He further outlined areas of concern in compliance and urged all institutions to uphold procurement integrity in line with the government’s reform agenda.
Among the key policy directives reaffirmed during the session were: Mandatory use of the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) in accordance with the President’s “Nigeria First” policy; Council and Tenders Board approval must precede submission of procurement plans to the BPP — no contract shall be awarded outside this process; Virtual Tenders Board meetings are now permissible, provided the BPP Director General is duly informed; Strict compliance with all procurement laws and the eight core BPP policies guiding federal entities; Transparent appointment of Heads or Directors of Procurement, with a mandatory BPP “No Objection” before confirmation.
The Minister expressed appreciation to Dr. Adebowale for his commitment to institutional integrity and for taking time to engage the heads of tertiary institutions, addressing their questions and clarifying compliance procedures.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to advancing accountability, efficiency, and ethical governance across the education sector, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s vision for a transparent, service-oriented public sector.
“Together, we are committed to building an education system that embodies integrity, transparency, and service to the nation,” the Minister stated.
