The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to contractors involved in constructing school buildings, emphasizing that it will crack down on those delivering substandard projects. This move comes in response to increasing concerns over the safety and quality of educational infrastructure across the country.
Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), made this clear during a training session for UBEC’s physical planning staff. The training focused on improving project quality through on-the-spot assessments using simple tools at construction sites.
Bobboyi stressed that the government is determined to ensure that school buildings are safe and durable. To achieve this, the UBEC plans to deploy monitors nationwide to oversee school construction projects and ensure contractors adhere to high standards. He warned contractors that subpar work will not be tolerated and that there will be consequences for those who fail to meet the required standards.
“We are responsible for ensuring that our school buildings are solid and can stand the test of time,” Bobboyi said. He highlighted the vulnerability of young students, particularly those between the ages of five and twelve, in the event of a building collapse, citing a recent tragic incident in Jos as a reminder of the risks.
To enhance the quality of school infrastructure, UBEC is collaborating with several organizations, including the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). These partnerships aim to strengthen the monitoring process and ensure that construction materials and methods meet the required specifications.
Bobboyi explained that UBEC has long had a monitoring system in place for school construction, but the commission is now stepping up its efforts by incorporating more advanced tools and technologies. These tools will allow UBEC staff to test the strength and quality of materials used in construction, ensuring that contractors are following the correct procedures.
Professor Samson Duna, Director-General and CEO of NBRRI, also spoke at the event, praising UBEC’s proactive approach. He emphasized the importance of adhering to proper construction specifications, particularly regarding the quality of concrete used in building projects. Duna warned contractors that they must meet these specifications or face serious consequences.
“UBEC has introduced tools that will help inspectors verify if the materials used, especially concrete, are up to standard,” Duna said. He added that these tools are capable of measuring the quality of concrete both in its wet state and once it has hardened, ensuring that all materials meet the necessary requirements.
The training program is part of a broader effort by UBEC to prevent the collapse of school buildings, a problem that has become alarmingly common in Nigeria. By ensuring that all new school buildings are constructed to the highest standards, UBEC aims to create safe and conducive learning environments for Nigerian children.
The Federal Government, through UBEC, is taking significant steps to improve the quality of school infrastructure. Contractors are being put on notice: only high-quality work will be accepted. With these new measures in place, the government hopes to prevent future tragedies and ensure that all Nigerian students can learn in safe, well-built schools.
