Jos North Local Government of Plateau state has directed that Abu Sinan High School in Sabon Layi community be closed for fear of building collapse.
Chairman of the LGA, John Christopher, disclosed this the in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mercy Chuwang on Tuesday.
He noted that, “Cracks were observed in the beams and walls, posing a serious safety risk to students in the classrooms. The fissures, some running the full length of load-bearing beams and others branching across wall panels, indicate compromised structural integrity that could trigger a sudden collapse, especially under the weight of daily use and during examinations”.
According to him, the level of damage mirrored recent incidents in Jos, where the use of substandard materials and inadequate reinforcement led to catastrophic building failures, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
“We are directing the school authorities to cease all operations and send the students home. This action is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning, and to prevent any building collapse that could lead to loss of lives,” he said.
The statement further added that the school’s premises lack proper cross-ventilation, adequate doors and windows, as well as toilet facilities, rendering the learning environment substandard.
The chairman, therefore, instructed the school management to shut down the institution with immediate effect and to reapply for approval with a valid building plan and relevant registration certificates from the appropriate authorities.
Consequently, he counselled all school owners in Jos North to strictly adhere to approved building specifications, warning that further inspections would be conducted and any substandard school would be closed to safeguard the lives of learners.
Recall that on 12 July 2024 the Saints Academy college collapsed in the Busa Buji community in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria, killing at least 22 students and trapping about 120 more.
Since the ugly incident, there has been clamour for strict monitoring of buildings to prevent future occurrences.
