By Newspointer
Jalingo — 2nd, 2025
The implementation of the Taraba State Government’s free education programme has suffered a major setback following a contractual dispute between the state and Omas, the firm engaged to supply school uniforms and instructional materials.
At the centre of the controversy is a N24 billion contract awarded to Omas, covering the supply of 100,000 units each of mathematics sets, drawing books, sportswear, school bags, shoes, vests, raincoats, uniforms, tablets with Bluetooth keypads, 200,000 pairs of socks, 2.2 million notebooks, and 100 school enrollment data kits and software.
While the state government claims that Omas has failed to deliver supplies commensurate with over N10 billion already disbursed, the contractor maintains it has delivered goods exceeding the value of payments received. Omas says it has withheld further deliveries due to the state’s failure to settle outstanding debts.
According to documents sighted by The NIGERIAN NEWSPOINTER, Omas, in a letter dated January 13, 2025, reported it had supplied 75,000 school uniforms, 50,000 each of school bags and shoes, and 5,000 tablets/Bluetooth keypads. Most of these items, the contractor claims, are currently warehoused in Jalingo, awaiting payment clearance before further distribution.
Critics have also faulted the government’s decision to approve overseas procurement—specifically from China—arguing that involving local tailors and artisans could have created employment and boosted the state’s economy.
In response to the impasse, Governor Agbu Kefas set up a Verification Committee led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Gebon Kataps. The committee was mandated to verify the quantity and quality of the items delivered, evaluate their compliance with the contract terms, and identify intended beneficiaries across the state.
Speaking to The NIGERIAN NEWSPOINTER, Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustine Godwin, confirmed that the committee was also tasked with determining how the materials would be distributed to schools and students.
SSG Kataps disclosed in a message that the committee had concluded its assignment and that its report was ready for submission.
“Assignment completed. Report ready and will be submitted any moment from next week,” he stated in a text message.
The outcome of the committee’s findings is expected to inform the state’s next steps in resolving the contractual dispute and ensuring the continuity of the free education initiative.
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