A major dispute has erupted between the Taraba State Government and contractor Omas over a controversial ₦24 billion contract for the supply of school uniforms and instructional materials under the state’s Free Education Program.
The contract, part of Governor Agbu Kefas’ flagship education initiative, includes the delivery of 100,000 units each of math 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 enrollment data kits with software.
However, tensions flared after the government accused Omas of failing to deliver goods worth ₦10 billion, the amount already disbursed. Omas refuted the allegation, claiming it has supplied more than the paid value and suspended further deliveries due to outstanding payments.
In response, Governor Kefas established a high-level verification committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Gebon Timothy Kataps, to evaluate the quantity, quality, and value of the delivered materials against payments made.
In a letter dated January 13, 2025, Omas stated it had delivered 75,000 sets of uniforms, 50,000 school bags and shoes each, and 5,000 tablets with Bluetooth keypads. It also confirmed that several items are currently stored in Jalingo but withheld due to non-payment.
Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, confirmed the rift delayed the distribution process, noting that two additional trucks have recently arrived in Jalingo but await verification.
The state government is now awaiting the committee’s report before deciding on further action and resuming the rollout of learning materials to schools across Taraba.
