Building projects embarked upon in most public tertiary institutions in Nigeria were reported to have experienced delay in completion. The issue of poor completion of building projects is alarmingly global. Thus, this study aims at developing a principle framework for determining timely completion of building projects in public tertiary institutions in Bauchi and Gombe State, Nigeria. A total of 170 sample questionnaires were randomly distributed to four public tertiary institutions in Bauchi and Gombe state, Nigeria. Construction professionals with working affiliation with the clients, consultants and contractors were the respondents of the study. SPSS software was used to carry out both descriptive and inferential analysis in form of frequencies, percentages, mean scores, standard deviations, regression and one sample t-test. Findings revealed that communication and teamwork, monitoring and evaluation, planning, due process in award of contract, involvement of stakeholders, due availability of finance, and suitable construction method were the most relevant factors of timely completion. Furthermore, effective management, effective public procurement procedures and stakeholders' engagement inputs with P-values 0.000<0.05 are the principle determinants of timely completion of building projects in public tertiary institutions in Bauchi and Gombe State, Nigeria with 21.8% increased cause-effects. In conclusion, timely completion is an essential success indicator of building projects in public tertiary institutions. Hence, there is need for a managerial synergy approach and adherence with all the laid down public procurement procedures and engaging stakeholders in order to enhance project completion on schedule.