From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The acting Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Usman, has charged contractors handling projects for the institution to maintain high standards and ensure early completion of work as the era of abandoned projects syndrome was over.
Usman gave the charge on Monday in Lokoja, during the presentation ceremony of award letters to deserving contractors who emerged winners after a competitive bidding process for seven Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) projects in the institution .
The rector advised the contractors to comply strictly with the bill of quantities in order to avoid collision with the management or be blacklisted.
He frowns at the plethora of abandoned projects dotting the landscape of the polytechnic and assured of his determined efforts to change the narrative for the school to have value for its money for the benefits of humanity.
Usman warned contractors against repeat of the ugly situation that led to the abandonment of some projects in the school.
“The previous experiences with the contractors will not be tolerated . We are determined to ensure that any kobo spent on projects must be accounted for to the later.
“I advise contractors to liaise with the consultant in every stage of the project to avoid running fouls of the specifications,” the rector said.
He explained that TETFund has been magnanimous towards the school by approving the construction of seven legacy projects which is aimed at enhancing teaching and learning, and urged contractors to exhibit the highest level of professionalism in the execution of the projects.
Usman stated that on assumption of office barely three months ago, he had promised to utilise his contacts to bring functional developments to the institution, which according to him culminated in approval of these seven projects for the polytechnic.
The Rector said as part of efforts at repositioning the school to meet the yearnings of 21st century higher institution, he has completed the hosting of internet services within the campuses to aid the e- learning method adopted to keep the students abreast during the lockdown period occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.
