The tragic collapse of a school building in Jos, Plateau State, has prompted a strong response from the National Parents-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), who are calling for strict measures against those responsible.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 12, 2024, saw a two-story building at the Little Saints Academy in the Busa-Buji area of Jos Metropolis crumble during classes, resulting in the deaths of over 20 students and leaving many more injured.
NAPTAN President Haruna Danjuma expressed shock and outrage at the devastating loss of innocent lives, stating, “It is very sad that the building got such a number of students sitting for examinations; it’s a big loss.”
Danjuma’s concerns extend beyond the immediate tragedy, as he questions the oversight and accountability mechanisms in place for the construction and operation of schools, both public and private, across the country.
“I begin to wonder how some of these proprietors are running their schools. Some of them use substandard materials to build their classrooms,” Danjuma said, highlighting the apparent lack of regulatory oversight that has allowed such dangerous practices to persist.
The NAPTAN president also raised questions about the approval process for new school constructions, noting that the relevant government agencies should be held responsible for granting permits without proper due diligence.
“I also wonder how the relevant agencies gave them approval. In fact, before approval is given to any school proprietor, the authorities concerned ought to have put measures in place for standards,” he said.
Danjuma’s call for action extends beyond the Jos incident, as he emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review of the regulatory framework governing the education sector. He highlighted the existing laws and the roles of agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) in monitoring and enforcing construction standards.
“The laws are already there for every school that are constructing classes. We have the department in every section of education,” Danjuma said, urging these regulatory bodies to fulfill their mandates and hold school owners accountable.
The NAPTAN president’s demands for accountability and stricter enforcement of regulations are echoed by education stakeholders and concerned citizens across the country. The Jos school collapse has shone a spotlight on the systemic issues plaguing the education system, where the safety and well-being of students are often compromised due to a lack of oversight and a culture of negligence.
As the nation mourns the tragic loss of life, NAPTAN’s call for action serves as a rallying cry for the government, regulatory agencies, and school proprietors to prioritize the safety and security of educational institutions. Only through a concerted effort to strengthen the regulatory framework and hold those responsible accountable can Nigeria ensure that such devastating incidents are prevented in the future.
The road ahead may be challenging, but NAPTAN’s unwavering stance on this issue underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education sector. The lives lost in Jos must not be in vain, as the nation comes together to demand a safer, more accountable system that truly prioritizes the well-being of its students.
