Tragic Incident in Jos
July 12, 2024, a fateful Friday morning, saw the tragic collapse of a two-storey school building of Saint Academy, located in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. At approximately 8:30 am, the disaster struck, claiming 22 lives and trapping around 154 individuals, whom rescuers subsequently evacuated to various hospitals.
Findings from the Federal Investigation
The Federal Government formed an investigative panel led by Prof O.F. Job from the University of Jos’s Building Department to probe into the causes of the collapse. The panel’s initial findings indicated significant issues with the building’s structural integrity. Prof Samson Duna, Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, reported at a press conference that the building appeared distressed and utilized substandard materials. The report specifically raised concerns about the poor quality of concrete, which lacked proper separation from the steel reinforcement, and the inadequate anchorage of the slab reinforcement.
Details of Structural Failings
Further details revealed by the panel noted that the dimensions of the building’s foundation were insufficient, measuring less than the necessary 1200 mm X 1200 mm. This under-sizing contributed to the building’s failure under stress.
Urgent Calls for Structural Integrity Tests
In light of these findings, Prof Duna urged the government and relevant professional bodies in the construction industry to mandate integrity tests for all buildings showing signs of distress, especially those in the vicinity of the collapsed site. He emphasized that the lack of regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance have been a chronic issue contributing to frequent building collapses across the country.
Legislative and Governmental Response
During a courtesy call by Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, along with local traditional rulers, Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the necessity of stringent enforcement of town planning laws to prevent such disasters in the future. Akpabio’s remarks highlighted the importance of removing structures built on inappropriate sites, such as water passages, which are prone to structural failures.
Governor’s Advocacy for Educational Development
Governor Mutfwang seized the opportunity to discuss the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2024, during his visit to the National Assembly. He expressed hope that his state would host the proposed legislation aimed at elevating the institute to a full-fledged university, signaling a commitment to advancing educational infrastructure.
This article sheds light on the recent school building collapse in Plateau State, detailing the investigative findings and the broader implications for building safety and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria.
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