“…as it appeals to Gov. Sule to release remaining funds for completion of work on renovation, fencing of the institute…”
Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has appealed to Gov. Abdullahi Sule to release the remaining funds for the fencing and renovation work at the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Extension Centre Doma, Nasarawa State.
Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala, the Chairman, House Committee on Education made the call when he led other committee members on an inspection visit to the centre today in Doma LGA.
Hon. Abel said that the importance of the institute to the development of the state and the country at large could not be over-emphasized, hence the need of his call in that direction.
The Committee Chairman said that they decided to visit the center over a petition its received from citizens of Doma against the contractor handling the renovation work.
“We are in receipt of a petition from the citizens of this community that the contractor has been mobilised with 50 per cent of the total contract sum sometimes last year and sometimes this year, February, he has been given another 50 per cent.
“We are here to see things for ourselves but we discovered that out of the N188 million contract sum, only N114 million was released to the contractor as against the the 100% claims.
“And the contractor even used his wisdom to construct an administrative block which was not even part of the contract specifications.
“Let face the reality, the fencing of the centre alone apart from other renovation works will consume a lot of money.
“It is in view of this that I want to appeal to his Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule to release the remaining funds to the contractor to compete the work” he said.
Abel said that the remaining balance of the contract would not even complete the work while calling for variation for good and standard work to be done.
“The release of the remaining balance will help but it will not finish the work, let us tell ourselves the truth, if actually we need a work that will stand the test of time.
“We want to commend the contractor for quality work done so far. The contractor is doing great and good job” he said.
Hon. Abel commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov. Abdullahi Sule for giving their attentions for the development of the institute.
“I also want to appreciate His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule for complementing the efforts of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu by supplying plants, equipments and other machines to the institute.
“His Excellency, Engr. A A Sule deserves commendation. He is doing well” Hon Abel said.
The Committee Chairman assured of the committee’s continued commitment to inspect projects to ensure that right things are done for the development of the state.
He called on the people of the state to continue to support Gov Sule to succeed.
On his Part, Dr. Damina John Ali, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations, appreciated the committee for the visit.
He said that the committee’s visit has cleared some doubts and allegation against the contractor.
“The visit by the Committee has cleared a lot of doubts in the heart of so many persons, particularly indigenes of Doma local government area.
“We are happy with the committee’s visit and we pray God to bless them abundantly” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that Diploma programme and other activities would commence in the institute, once the ongoing renovation work is completed.
He further commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritizing science and technical education in the state.
It would be reported that the committee inspected workshops, shaping machines, Bench Grinder machines, designing machines, classrooms, Administrative block and fence among others.
