FG Report Reveals Cause of Jos School Collapse: Substandard Materials and Construction
The Federal Government has released a preliminary report shedding light on the tragic collapse of a two-storey school building in Jos. The incident, which occurred at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community, resulted in the loss of 22 lives and left 154 others injured. , Prof. Samson Duna, Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), shared key findings from the panel’s report. According to Prof. Duna, the physical condition of the structure appeared distressed, and weak materials were used during construction.
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The Federal Government has released a preliminary report shedding light on the tragic collapse of a two-storey school building in Jos. The incident, which occurred at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community, resulted in the loss of 22 lives and left 154 others injured.
In response to the disaster, the Federal Government swiftly established an investigative committee to ascertain the factors behind the collapse. Speaking to journalists in Jos, Prof. Samson Duna, Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), shared key findings from the panel’s report. The committee, led by Prof. O.F. Job from the Building Department at the University of Jos, conducted a thorough examination of the building.
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According to Prof. Duna, the physical condition of the structure appeared distressed, and weak materials were used during construction. Notably, the quality of the concrete used for the two-storey building came into question due to the absence of a clear boundary between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. Additionally, the slab reinforcement anchorage was deemed inadequate.
“The committee has initiated its investigation,” Prof. Duna stated. “Our preliminary findings indicate distress in the building’s physical state. Doubts surround the concrete quality due to the lack of separation between concrete and steel reinforcement. Furthermore, the provided slab reinforcement anchorage falls short. The foundation sizes were also below the required dimensions (1200 mm X 1200 mm).”
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Prof. Duna emphasized the need for integrity tests on distressed buildings, particularly those near the collapsed site. He attributed the recurring issue of building collapses in Nigeria to the absence of regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance.
The NBRRI Director General called for collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, professionals, and the public, to share knowledge and adopt global best practices in construction and safety protocols.
