Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district, has urged the state and federal governments to conduct regular inspections of educational infrastructure to prevent incidents like the recent building collapse in Jos, Plateau.
This call to action comes after the collapse of the Saint Academy school building, which resulted in the loss of 22 students’ lives.
Sen Akpoti-Uduaghan made the clarion call while contributing to a motion sponsored by Senator Diket Plang (Plateau Central) regarding the incident, on Wednesday.
She emphasised the need for routine inspections of buildings serving as schools, many of which are not purpose-built.
“Urge the state ministry of education and relevant agencies to embark upon periodic inspection of all learning institutions both federal, state and private-owned, especially primary and secondary schools to ensure they are not only built for purpose but operate properly accordingly to all safety guidelines,” the prayer read.
She highlighted previous incidents where children have been harmed due to inadequate infrastructure, such as drowning in school pools or falling from buildings with wide balusters, hence, the reason for her prayer.
The additional prayer was seconded by Senator Amos Yohanna, representing Adamawa North senatorial district.
