Integrity, Transparency, and Accountability: FCAIB Provost Reaffirms Commitment During 2025 Financial Bids Opening Ceremony

…68 Bidders Participate as College Upholds Open and Fair Procurement Process

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

IBADAN, NIGERIA – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025: The Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, has reaffirmed that integrity remains the cornerstone of his administration’s operations.

Speaking during the Financial (Open Competitive) Bids Opening Ceremony for the College’s 2025 Capital Projects held at the College Auditorium, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Atungwu emphasized that the bidding process must remain open and transparent to both the public and online observers.

According to a statement e-signed and made available to StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online Platform by Wilson Oyekemi, Head of the Public Relations Unit of the College, the Provost commended all participants and highlighted the College’s progress in upholding due process.

“It gives me great joy that we have continued the process we started just about two weeks ago. We give God all the glory that we have reached this stage”, Prof. Atungwu stated.

Reaffirming FCAIB’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and fairness, he noted that the Technical Evaluation Committee diligently carried out its responsibilities before submitting its report to the Tenders Board for approval.

“I can boldly say that so far, the process has been fair and thorough. Not everyone who submitted documents during the technical stage was invited here today – only those who met all required criteria in line with the law and were fully responsive.

We must ensure that every step of this process is transparent. I value integrity above all and will not compromise it. This exercise reflects our collective commitment to institutional growth and accountability”, he added.

The event was conducted in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

Head of Procurement, Engr. Dr. Oluwaseun Akinyele, revealed that a total of 68 bidders submitted financial bids, out of which one (1) was disqualified for failing to adhere to the submission guidelines requiring separate sealed technical and financial documents.

Consequently, 67 bids were evaluated, with 59 qualifying for further financial evaluation. Disqualifications were attributed to failure to meet mandatory requirements, submission of expired documents, and lack of relevant experience as stipulated by law.

The financial bids opening involved the unsealing, inspection, sorting, and public unveiling of tenders, followed by the signing of the bidders’ register. The bids covered eight (8) project lots, including:

1. Construction and installation of electricity and solar power systems for College facilities.
2. Construction and furnishing of an ultramodern library.
3. Rehabilitation and furnishing of halls, offices, classrooms, and laboratories.
4. Construction of an Agricultural Central Administrative Office Complex.
5. Renovation of students’ hostels.
6. Construction and furnishing of Animal Production Laboratories.
7. Construction and furnishing of the Engineering Building Complex.
8. Provision of computers and ICT facilities for College use.

Observers present included representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (Ibadan Branch), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and Life Builders (NGO).

They commended the College for conducting a transparent, inclusive, and professionally organized financial bidding exercise, urging other institutions and government bodies to emulate FCAIB’s exemplary process.

Bidders also expressed satisfaction with the level of professionalism displayed by the Procurement Unit and Management Team, noting that all questions were adequately addressed.

In his closing address, Prof. Atungwu appreciated the dedication of the College Management Team, Procurement Unit, and Public Relations Unit for their professionalism and commitment.

He reiterated that the College has nothing to hide and will remain transparent throughout the evaluation process, though some financial details would remain confidential to protect project integrity.

“We will ensure that only the lowest evaluated responsive bidders are awarded the contracts in line with the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Our ultimate goal is to engage only the most qualified contractors to execute the 2025 capital projects,” the Provost assured.

He concluded by wishing all bidders safe journeys to their various destinations while encouraging patience as the evaluation continues.

The event was attended by members of the College Management, including Dr. Musiliu O. Adenekan (Deputy Provost, Administration), Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria E. Okpeze (Deputy Provost, Academic), Mr. Abimbade S. Abass (Registrar), Mr. O. F. Karunwi (Director of Audit), Mr. Adeyemi Jaguno (representing Head of Bursary), and Dr. (Mrs.) Mojisola Osunkoya (Head, College Library).

Also present were members of the Tenders Board and Procurement Planning Committee, including Engr. J. A. Adebisi, Engr. Dr. T. A. Ilori, Engr. J. A. Ijadunola, Mr. S. N. Elum and Mrs. Abimbola Ala.

The 2025 Financial Bids Opening Ceremony stands as yet another demonstration of FCAIB’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development, transparency, and sustainable institutional growth.