Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central senatorial district, has urged the state and federal governments to inspect educational infrastructure regularly to prevent incidents like the recent building collapse in Jos, Plateau State.
Her call was prompted by the collapse of the Saint Academy Secondary School building, which led to last Friday’s death of 22 students in Jos.
Natasha’s contribution to a motion sponsored by Senator Diket Plang emphasised the need for routine inspections of buildings serving as schools, many of which are not purpose-built.
She urged the state ministry of education and relevant agencies to conduct periodic inspections of all learning institutions – federal, state, and private-owned – mainly primary and secondary schools to ensure they are built for purpose and operate according to all safety guidelines.
The lawmaker recalled previous incidents where children had been harmed due to inadequate infrastructure, such as drowning in school pools or falling from buildings with wide balusters.
Senator Amos Yohanna, representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, seconded the additional prayer.