Investigation into collapsed school structure commences in Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Gov Sanwo-Olu, has been briefed on the situation, which is now under control, according to the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, following the collapse of a school building that houses Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College, located at 11 Adu Street, behind County Hospital, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos State.

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The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has assured residents that the situation is being managed while an investigation into the cause of the collapse has commenced, with the Ministry working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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According to Alli-Balogun, in a statement on Tuesday, the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is informing the public about the situation, which occurred at approximately noon on Monday when a four-storey building within the school premises collapsed shortly after students and members of staff had safely evacuated the structure.

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The evacuation was carried out promptly, with the building caving in less than three minutes after learners and staff were moved out of the premises, and reports indicate that the swift action prevented any harm to those on site.

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Upon arrival at the site, officials observed that the collapsed structure, alongside an adjoining residential building, had already been sealed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, as part of immediate safety and regulatory measures, with two officers of the agency present to secure the premises.

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No casualties or injuries were recorded, as all students and staff were safely evacuated before the collapse occurred, and the scene was secured to prevent any further risk, with additional safety measures being put in place.

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The Ministry confirmed that Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College is an approved school under the Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA, and relevant government agencies, including LASBCA and other safety authorities, have commenced necessary technical assessments to determine the cause of the collapse.

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These assessments aim to ensure full compliance with safety regulations going forward, and the commissioner reassured parents, guardians, and members of the public that the safety and wellbeing of learners and school personnel remain the highest priority of the Lagos State Government.

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The affected premises have been secured to prevent further risk, and appropriate measures will be taken based on the outcome of ongoing structural and safety assessments, with the OEQA actively liaising with the school administrator to ensure that learning time is not lost for affected pupils and students.

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Discussions are ongoing regarding the immediate implementation of virtual learning arrangements, as well as the identification of a temporary relocation site where academic activities can safely continue pending further directives, and parents and the general public are urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

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The situation is fully under control and being handled with the utmost urgency and professionalism by the State Government, and the Ministry continues to work closely with the OEQA and other relevant agencies to strengthen safety monitoring across all schools in Lagos State.

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The goal is to ensure that learning environments remain safe and conducive for all learners, according to Alli-Balogun, who emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and security in all educational institutions.