Lafia: The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has expressed its approval of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abdullahi Sule’s dedication to advancing science and technical education within the state. Mr. Abel Bala, who chairs the House Committee on Education, delivered this commendation during a recent inspection visit to the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology’s Extension Centre located in Doma, Nasarawa State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the assembly also urged Governor Abdullahi Sule to disburse the outstanding funds necessary for completing the fencing and renovation projects at the institute. Bala emphasized the importance of the institute for the development of both the state and the country. The visit was prompted by a petition from Doma residents concerning the contractor responsible for the renovation work.
“We received a petition from the community alleging that the contractor was mobilized with 50 per cent of the contract sum last year, and another 50 per cent in February this year. We are here to verify the claims. We discovered that out of the N188 million contract sum, only N114 million was released to the contractor, contrary to the 100 per cent claim,” Bala stated. He further noted that the contractor took the initiative to construct an administrative block, which was not part of the original contract specifications.
Bala highlighted the need for additional funding to complete the fencing and other renovation efforts, emphasizing that the remaining balance would be insufficient for project completion. He called for a variation to ensure the work meets quality and standard expectations. Despite the financial shortfalls, Bala praised the contractor for the quality of work completed thus far.
The committee chairman pledged ongoing project inspections to ensure value for money and the state’s development. He also urged the residents to continue supporting Governor Sule in his efforts. Dr. Damina John, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, expressed gratitude for the committee’s visit, noting that it dispelled doubts and allegations against the contractor.
Dr. John also revealed that diploma programs and other activities would begin at the institute upon completion of the renovation work. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the committee inspected various facilities, including workshops, shaping machines, bench grinders, designing machines, classrooms, the administrative block, and the fence.