The Dr. Isa El-buba Foundation, has called on owners of schools and other public buildings in Nigeria to ensure the safety of their students and personnel.
Mrs Deborah Atubi, the Executive Director of the foundation, made the call when she visited the scene of the collapsed school building, on Saturday in Jos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that a two-storey building of Saints Academy, a secondary and primary school located at Busa-Buji community of Jos North Local Area, had collapsed, trapping students, teachers and others.
The incident, which claimed 22 lives with 132 persons injured, occured at about 8:30 a.m. on Friday, when the students were writing their third term examination.
Atubi, who described the incident as heart-wrenching and unfortunate, called on proprietors of schools to prioritise the safety of their students.
”We commiserate with the families of the victims and the government of Plateau over this unfortunate incident.
”We call on owners of schools to ensure the safety of students and teachers in their schools.
”It is paramount that school owners ensure that buildings used as classrooms and offices are constructed to the best standards.
”They must ensure that schools are safe and conducive for learning,” she said.
The executive director commended the swift response of the state government and other relevant agencies to the incident, particularly in footing the hospital bills of the affected victims.
She promised that her organisation would provide the necessary support to the victims, particularly those in critical condition and currently taking treatment.
She also called on the state government to relocate all buildings around the collapsed school, and pay adequate compensation to owners.
NAN also reports that Gov. Caleb Mutfwang who visited the scene of the incident on Saturday, directed the closure of the school. (NAN)
