Chibuike Obi, a student at Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State, has shared his harrowing experience following the collapse of his school building on July 12, 2024. In a video interview shared by Daily Trust TV, Obi recounted the terrifying moments when the building began to crumble.
Obi recalled that he was in class with his classmates and teacher when the building started to give way. "I was in the class with my classmates and teacher," he said. "Then the noise of the building falling started, but we couldn't run. Some people went under their table, but me, my head was on the table, so the deck of the upstairs fell on my head."
According to Obi, there was no time for anyone to escape as the structure quickly began to collapse. He described the panic that ensued as students scrambled for safety, with many attempting to take cover under their desks. Unfortunately, Obi's position at his desk left him vulnerable to the debris from the upper floor.
The incident has drawn significant attention to the state of school infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State, where this tragic event occurred. Many have expressed concerns about the safety of educational facilities and have called for urgent inspections and repairs to prevent such disasters in the future.
The video interview with Obi has sparked a wider conversation about the need for improved building standards and safety regulations in schools. Parents and guardians are now more vigilant, demanding assurances that their children are studying in safe environments. This incident is a stark reminder of the critical need for proper maintenance and oversight of school buildings to protect students and staff alike.
In the wake of the tragedy, there have been numerous calls for accountability and swift action to address the deficiencies in school infrastructure. Obi's story serves as a poignant example of the human cost of neglecting building safety standards and underscores the importance of taking immediate measures to ensure such an event never happens again.
You can watch the video from 1:26