Collapsed school building: Lagos govt begins probe

Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has explained situation surrounding Monday collapse of a school building housing Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, located at 11 Adu Street, behind County Hospital, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos State

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education,Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, however, assured residents that the situation has been brought under control, while investigation into the cause has commenced.

According to Alli-Balogun in a statement on Tuesday, “Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education wishes to inform members of the public of the situation surrounding the collapse of a school building housing Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, located at 11 Adu Street, behind County Hospital, Aguda, Ogba

The incident occurred at approximately noon on Monday when a four-storey building within the school premises collapsed shortly after students and members of staff had safely evacuated the structure.

“Reports indicate that the evacuation was carried out promptly, and the building caved in less than three minutes after learners and staff were moved out of the premises.”

Speaking on the situation report, the commissioner said, “Upon arrival at the site, officials observed that the collapsed structure, alongside an adjoining residential building, had already been sealed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, as part of immediate safety and regulatory measures.

“Two officers of the agency were present at the location to secure the premises and prevent unauthorized access.

“Information obtained from the scene confirmed the following: No casualties or injuries were recorded, as all students and staff were safely evacuated before the collapse occurred.

No school staff members were present at the scene at the time of inspection to facilitate further enquiries, and additional operational contacts were not immediately available

The Ministry confirmed that Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College is an approved school under the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA)

The commissioner said relevant government agencies, including LASBCA and other safety authorities, have commenced necessary technical assessments to determine the cause of the collapse and to ensure full compliance with safety regulations going forward.

He reassured parents, guardians, and members of the public on the safety and wellbeing of learners and school personnel as it remain the highest priority of the Lagos State Government.

The affected premises have been secured to prevent further risk while appropriate measures will be taken based on the outcome of ongoing structural and safety assessments.

In addition, the OEQA is actively liaising with the school administrator to ensure that learning time is not lost for affected pupils and students

Discussions are ongoing regarding the immediate implementation of virtual learning arrangements, as well as the identification of a temporary relocation site where academic activities can safely continue pending further directives.

“Parents and the general public are therefore urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, as the situation is fully under control and being handled with the utmost urgency and professionalism by the State Government.

“The Ministry continues to work closely with the OEQA and other relevant agencies to strengthen safety monitoring across all schools in Lagos State and to ensure that learning environments remain safe and conducive for all learners, Alli-Balogun stated.

Culled from vanguard