A preliminary report has been released by the investigative panel set up by the Federal Government on the collapsed two-storey school building in Jos, Plateau State. The building, which housed Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area, collapsed on Friday morning, resulting in the loss of 22 lives and the rescue of 154 trapped individuals who were subsequently taken to hospitals.
Speaking at a press conference in Jos, Professor Samson Duna, the Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, revealed some key findings from the panel’s report. According to the report, the physical observation of the building indicated distress, and weak materials were used in its construction. Furthermore, there was doubt regarding the quality of the concrete used, as there was no clear boundary between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. The report also highlighted inadequate slab reinforcement anchorage for the structure, and the sizes of the foundation footings were found to be smaller than the required dimensions.
Professor Duna emphasized the need for integrity tests on distressed buildings, particularly those in close proximity to the collapsed building site. He called for collaboration among government agencies, professionals, and the public to share knowledge and implement global best practices in the construction industry. The absence of regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance has been identified as a contributing factor to the recurring issue of building collapses in the country.
In response to the tragedy, Senate President Godswill Akpabio advised the Plateau State government to strengthen the enforcement of town planning laws to prevent similar incidents in the future. During a courtesy visit by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Akpabio expressed condolences and urged strict adherence to building regulations. He emphasized that buildings found to be in violation of the rules should be demolished, regardless of the individuals involved.
Governor Mutfwang and his delegation were at the National Assembly to participate in a public hearing on the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024. The bill aims to upgrade the Mining and Geoscience Institute to a full-fledged university, and the governor expressed hope that his state would be selected as the host for this institution.
The report of the investigative panel sheds light on the factors that contributed to the tragic collapse of the school building in Plateau State. It underscores the importance of strict adherence to building regulations and the need for regular inspections to ensure the safety of structures. The findings will inform further investigations and measures to prevent future incidents of this nature.
