The federal government has established a high-powered committee to investigate the collapse of the Saint Academy building in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 22 school children and injuries to many others.
Following the collapse, which occurred on Friday, more than 200 secondary school students were initially trapped, prompting the state government to close the school.
In Jos, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, North Central Zone, Prof. Samson Duna, inaugurated the committee. He stated, “In response to this tragedy, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geofrey Nnaji, has authorised the formation of a committee to investigate the building collapse at Saint Academy.
“Preliminary investigations have already revealed several issues. Physical observations indicate structural distress, concerns over the quality of concrete due to inadequate reinforcement between concrete and steel, insufficient anchorage of slab reinforcements, and footings sizes smaller than required (1200mmx1200mm).”
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Highlighting the alarming rate of building collapses in Nigeria, the Director General emphasised the need for strict adherence to regulations, quality control, professionalism, and effective monitoring and evaluation in construction practices. He called on all stakeholders to prioritise public safety and awareness in building projects.
During the inauguration, Prof. O. F. Job, appointed as chairman of the committee, assured that the investigation would uncover the root causes of the school building collapse within the specified timeframe.
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