Construction procurement processes in public tertiary institutions: a case study of Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Previous research has highlighted that the procurement function often does not receive the due attention it is worth in many emergent countries. Primarily, the concern that prompted this study was the accusations of none compliance regarding the rules of conduct of public procurement processes in awarding construction contracts in higher academic institutions in Nigeria. The research
examines the construction procurement processes before the award of contract in public tertiary institutions, and the study is limited in scope to public universities in Nigeria’s state of Gombe. A qualitative research design was used, with fourteen (14) out of a total of 45 construction procurement expert interviewed. Major findings indicated that, there is competitiveness, and other procurement
processes were mostly adhered to. In conclusion, the construction procurement processes at the studied tertiary institution are generally in line with standard guide for public procurement as claimed by the interviewees. However, it is recommended that, the authorities should invest more efforts towards revitalizing the processes, and ensure that construction professionals are more actively
involved in every aspect of the procurement process, empowering them to perform their duties effectively and professionally.