Fed Govt Panel in preliminary report gives reasons for collapsed Jos school building

A preliminary report on the collapsed two-story school building in Jos, Plateau State, has been released by the Federal Government’s investigative panel, on Tuesday.

The incident, which occurred on Friday at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community, resulted in 22 fatalities and 154 trapped individuals who were rescued and hospitalized.

According to Prof. Samson Duna, Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, the panel’s report, led by Prof. O.F. Job of the University of Jos, highlights several critical factors that contributed to the collapse.

The building exhibited visible signs of distress, and the quality of materials used was deemed substandard.

The report raises concerns about the concrete used, citing a lack of clear boundaries between the concrete and steel reinforcement.

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Additionally, the slab reinforcement anchorage was deemed inadequate, and the foundation’s footing sizes were smaller than required (1200 mm x 1200 mm).

“The committee has commenced its investigation. Preliminary investigation revealed that the physical observation of the building looks distressed.

“The quality of concrete is in doubt because there was no boundary between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. The slab reinforcement anchorage provided was inadequate. The sizes of the footing (foundation) provided were lesser than the required number (1200 mm X 1200mm)

“A comprehensive report on the investigation will be presented after the investigation,” he said.

While the preliminary findings provided insight into the possible causes of the collapse, a comprehensive report is expected upon completion of the investigation.

The panel’s findings will likely have significant implications for building safety and regulation in Nigeria.

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