Evaluation of Procurement Methods Used in Public Secondary School Construction in Bauchi State

The procurement method selected for public construction projects significantly influences cost efficiency, delivery timelines, and project quality outcomes. This study evaluates the procurement methods used in public secondary school construction in Bauchi State between 2019 and 2024. A survey research design was adopted, with 76 respondents including quantity surveyors, ministry procurement officers, and contractors participating through structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis of selected project procurement records. Findings indicate that the traditional lump-sum competitive tender remains the dominant procurement method in Bauchi State school projects, with management contracting and design-and-build options rarely utilised. The study finds that the traditional method's inherent sequential structure frequently causes programme delays, and that inadequate tender documentation contributes to wide bid price variations. Approximately 42% of school construction projects reviewed experienced cost overruns exceeding 25% of contract value. Recommendations include piloting of design-and-build procurement on smaller school facilities to test time and cost performance, strengthening tender documentation through mandatory involvement of registered quantity surveyors, and capacity building of state procurement officers in modern procurement options. Adoption of the Public Procurement Act 2007 guidelines is urged across all ministries in the state. This study enriches the procurement management literature for the education sector in North East Nigeria. Keywords: procurement methods, public school construction, Bauchi State, competitive tender, cost efficiency