FCAIB HOLDS FINANCIAL (OPEN COMPETITIVE) BIDS OPENING FOR 2025 CAPITAL PROJECTS
By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan (FCAIB), on Monday, November 10, 2025, held the Financial (Open Competitive) Bids Opening event for its 2025 Capital Projects at the College Auditorium. The event, organized by the College, was conducted in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
This was disclosed by the head, Public Relation Unit, Oyekemi Wilson.
In attendance were members of the College Management:
Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, Provost;
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;
Head of Bursary represented by Mr. Adeyemi Jaguno, and
Dr. (Mrs.) Mojisola Osunkoya, Head, College Library.
Present also were members of the Tenders Board and Procurement Planning Committee, namely: Engr. J. A. Adebisi, Engr. Dr. T. A. Ilori, Engr. J. A. Ijadunola, Mr. S.N. Elum and Mrs. Abimbola Ala.
The event was anchored by Engr. Dr. Oluwaseun Akinyele, Head of the Procurement Unit, who welcomed all participants and observers alike.
Engr. Dr. Akinyele revealed that a total of sixty-eight (68) bidders submitted financial bids. However, one (1) bidder was disqualified for submitting both technical and financial documents together, contrary to the stated instructions that required separate and sealed submissions.
Consequently, sixty-seven (67) bids were evaluated during the financial bidding exercise, out of which sixty (59) qualified for further financial evaluation. The disqualified bids were adduced to failure to meet mandatory requirements, submission of expired documents and lack of relevant experience as specified in the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
In his opening remarks, the Provost, Prof. Jonathan J. Atungwu, appreciated all bidders and expressed his joy at the College’s progress. “It gives me great joy
that we have continued the process we started just about two weeks ago, and we give God all the glory that we have reached this stage,” he said.
He reaffirmed the College’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness in all procurement processes. “The Technical Evaluation Committee did the job diligently and presented its report to the Tenders Board for consideration and 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,” he stated.
Prof. Atungwu emphasized that integrity remains the cornerstone of his administration’s operations and that the bidding process must remain open and transparent to the public, including those watching the exercise online. “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 financial bids opening process involved the opening of the tender box, inspection, sorting, and official unveiling of submitted financial tenders, followed by the signing of the bidders’ register.
A total of sixty-seven (67) bids were opened under eight (8) project lots, namely:
1. Construction/Provision of electricity and installation of solar power system for College facilities
2. Construction/furnishing of an ultramodern library
3. Rehabilitation/furnishing of College (halls, offices, classrooms, laboratories)
4. Construction of an Agricultural Central Administrative Office Complex
5. Renovation of students’ hostels
6. Construction/furnishing of Animal Production Laboratories
7. Construction/furnishing of the Engineering Building Complex
8. Provision of computers and ICT facilities for College use.
Observers in attendance include Engr. S. O. Lawal, representing the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (Ibadan Branch); Mrs. Olufunke Olayiwola, Project Manager, Life Builders (NGO); Mr. Adegboyega Akinleye, and Assistant Chief Superintendent Muritala Wasiu, representatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The observers from the ICPC, Life Builders (NGO), and the Nigerian Society of Engineers commended the College for conducting a transparent, inclusive, and well-organized financial bidding exercise. They encouraged other Institutions and Government establishments to emulate FCAIB’s exemplary process.
Bidders also expressed satisfaction with the procedure, praising the professionalism of the Procurement Unit and the Management Team. Questions raised during the session were addressed comprehensively by the Head of Procurement and representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
In his closing address, Prof. Atungwu expressed gratitude to all staff who contributed to the success of the event, particularly members of the College Management Team, the Procurement Unit, and the Public Relations Unit, for their commitment and professionalism.
He reiterated that the College has nothing to hide and will remain transparent throughout the evaluation process.
Certain details of the financial evaluation, he noted, will remain confidential as stipulated in the Procurement Law to protect the integrity of the projects. “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 thereafter wished all bidders safe journeys back to their various destinations and encouraged patience as the evaluation process continues.
The 2025 Financial Bids Opening Ceremony marks another giant strides in FCAIB’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development, transparency, and sustainable institutional growth.
