Taraba State Government’s flagship 60 Model Schools project has reportedly been abandoned by the contractor handling the job, Prezzo Shield Investment Nigeria Limited, after allegedly receiving approximately N16 billion in funds.

Sources within the Taraba State Government have confirmed to SaharaReporters that the contractor, which is led by directors Aloy O. Njoku and Emmanuel C. Njoku, as well as secretary Ewa Ewa Abiodun Gloria, had received significant payments from the government for the construction of these schools, but work has stalled across multiple sites in the state.

Project Background and Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

The 60 Legacy Schools project, launched by Governor Agbu Kefas as part of his free education initiative, was intended to expand access to quality education across Taraba State. However, the project, which had been heralded as a legacy of the governor’s administration, has faced major setbacks after the contractor allegedly stopped work and failed to meet contractual obligations.

Sources claim that N16 billion was disbursed to Prezzo Shield Investment Nigeria Limited, although the exact amount of the contract remains undisclosed. Investigations by SaharaReporters reveal that construction at many of the school sites has either halted or significantly slowed down. In some areas, work has been completely abandoned for over five months.

Local vendors and suppliers have also voiced concerns, alleging that the contractor has failed to make payments for materials delivered since October 2025. This has affected several businesses in Zing and Jalingo, where suppliers have expressed frustration over the stalled payments despite repeated appeals for settlement.

Impact on Local Workers and Construction Standards

Beyond the non-payment of suppliers, the project has also had a detrimental effect on over 500 local artisans and engineers who were employed on the sites. As construction stopped, many of these workers were disengaged. Some workers even alleged that construction standards were compromised, with efforts made to cut costs before work was abandoned.

At Government Science School, Donga, the construction remains at the foundation level, with work halted for the past four months. In other locations, buildings were left at lintel level, and in Ibbi Local Government Area, roofing work had started but ceased despite materials being available.

One particularly concerning case is Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Nukkai, where construction activities were halted approximately two months ago. At Government Secondary School, Wukari, work had progressed to the near-roofing stage before abruptly stopping. A security guard at the site confirmed that construction had been paused for several weeks.

The two pilot schools, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Jalingo and Government Day School, Juro Yinu in Ardo Kola, remain unfinished over a year after construction began. Despite the buildings being roofed, critical fittings such as doors, windows, and toilets have not been completed, delaying the schools’ opening for the academic year.

Concerns Over Equipment and Resources

In addition to stalled construction, there have been reports of brick-making machines purchased by the state government for the project being demobilized and moved to unknown locations. These machines, which were intended to support the construction of the schools, are now reportedly missing, adding to the growing concerns over the handling of public resources.

Government’s Response and Calls for Accountability

Despite the widespread abandonment of the project, no official explanation has been given by Prezzo Shield Investment Nigeria Limited or Governor Kefas’ administration regarding the situation. Local communities and workers have called for the Taraba State Government to step in, ensure accountability, and guarantee the completion of the schools.

Governor Kefas had previously promoted the 60 Model Schools project as a significant achievement, with over 700 local artisans reportedly engaged in construction. However, the growing delays and financial mismanagement have raised questions about the administration’s ability to see the project through to completion.

Attempts to obtain responses from the Taraba State Government have proven unsuccessful. Multiple messages sent to the Chief Press Secretary and the State Commissioner for Information were either ignored or left unanswered.

Conclusion

The abandonment of the 60 Legacy Schools project represents a significant setback for Governor Agbu Kefas’ free education agenda. The alleged financial mismanagement, combined with the contractor’s failure to deliver, has left several sites across the state in various stages of incompletion. The Taraba State Government now faces pressure to intervene, hold the contractor accountable, and ensure the successful completion of this important legacy project.