In a renewed commitment to ensure safer learning environments for Nigerian students, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has joined forces with the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) to enhance the quality of school infrastructure across the country.
Recognizing the growing concerns over substandard constructions, particularly in educational facilities, UBEC and NBRRI have rolled out a training program aimed at equipping key officials with the necessary skills and modern tools to effectively monitor and oversee school building projects. This initiative is seen as a proactive measure to avoid future tragedies, such as building collapses, which have previously endangered the lives of students and staff.
Speaking at a training event in Abuja, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, emphasized the government’s determination to crack down on poor-quality constructions. He warned contractors of the severe consequences of delivering substandard work and encouraged state officials, particularly those within the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), to utilize the training to ensure that school buildings meet the required standards.
Dr. Bobboyi underscored the importance of regular inspections, stating that UBEC plans to deploy monitors to construction sites to ensure that contractors adhere strictly to building specifications. He also highlighted the recent unfortunate incident of a school building collapse in Jos, urging state governments to take urgent steps in preventing such occurrences, even if the project is not directly under UBEC’s oversight.
Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General/CEO of NBRRI, noted that the training provided to UBEC’s technical staff will equip them with the tools to assess the quality of materials used in construction, such as steel and concrete. The focus, he said, is on ensuring that the construction meets all safety and quality standards, thus safeguarding the lives of students and teachers.
Both UBEC and NBRRI are committed to their partnership, which has been ongoing for several years, working closely with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to maintain rigorous oversight at the state level.
As part of this intensified effort, the government is not only looking to improve current practices but is also setting a higher bar for future projects, ensuring that educational infrastructures are built with the utmost care and precision. This initiative is a significant step forward in creating safe and conducive learning environments for children across Nigeria.
