Federal Polytechnic, Oko Denies Student Fatalities in Amaokpala Building Collapse

The management of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has clarified that no student of the institution lost his or her life in the recent collapse of a multi-storey building in Amaokpala, Anambra State.

In a statement issued on July 27, 2026, the institution said the collapsed structure was not located within the Polytechnic's premises but in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community. The privately owned building, identified as the 5 Elite Storey Building near Tonimas Filling Station, was reportedly occupied by both students and non-students.

The Polytechnic dismissed claims circulating on social media that the incident occurred on its campus or that all the occupants were its students, describing such reports as false and misleading.

According to the institution, no Federal Polytechnic, Oko student has been confirmed dead, and no life had been lost as of the time the statement was issued.

Following the incident, the Rector, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, visited the scene at about 6:36 a.m. to assess the situation and ascertain the welfare of students who might have been affected. She was accompanied by the Students' Union Government President, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the institution's Public Relations Officer, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, the Dean of Students' Affairs, the Chief Security Officer, and other members of staff.

The rescue operation also attracted the presence of the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, who assessed the situation and supported ongoing emergency efforts.

The Polytechnic stated that several occupants had been rescued and were receiving medical treatment for injuries described as non-life-threatening. It added that about two individuals, reportedly not students of the institution, were still believed to be trapped as rescue personnel continued search operations.

The management further noted that the incident occurred after the completion of the second-semester examinations, when many students had already vacated their hostels and returned home for the academic break.

While expressing concern for everyone affected, the institution urged the public to disregard unverified reports and sensational claims linking the collapse to the Polytechnic or alleging that a large number of its students were trapped.

Federal Polytechnic, Oko also commended emergency responders, government officials, security personnel, local volunteers, and others involved in the rescue efforts, assuring that further updates would be provided as credible information becomes available.