Today, this Weekends@ITREALMS, Remmy Nweke brings to mind the importance of having a good school environment that is secure and safe, especially in memory of late children of school age at Paiko and Nigeria at large.
Preamble:
It was supposed to be a typical Saturday morning at UK Bello Memorial Primary School in Paiko, Niger State, Nigeria. But instead, it turned into a tragedy that would leave the community shaken.
On Saturday, March 19, 2022, at around 10 am, a group of children had wandered to the refuse dump near the school's toilet block, searching for scraps to sell. Unbeknownst to them, the toilet block had been on the verge of collapse for years, its walls weakened by vandalism and neglect.
As the children dug through the trash, the toilet block suddenly gave way, its crumbling walls falling on top of them. The screams of the children echoed through the air, sending shockwaves throughout the community.
Paiko community goes into mourning:
Two children lost their lives in the tragic incident, their young lives cut short by a preventable disaster. Three others were injured, left to pick up the pieces of a shattered Saturday morning.
The community came together to mourn the loss of the two children, their grief and anger palpable. How could this have happened? Why had the school's infrastructure been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent?
Call to Action:
As the community reflected on the tragedy, they knew that something had to change. The incident was a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safe and secure learning environments for children.
Weekends@ITREALMS gathered that the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB) had attempted to repair the school's infrastructure and fence the premises, but their efforts had been met with resistance from local residents.
Just like what happened recently when schools in some parts of the north have to close because of religious fasting. A topic for another day.
Beginning afresh:
As the weekend drew to a close, the community vowed to come together to ensure that such a tragedy would never happen again. They would work to rebuild and restore the school's infrastructure, and to create a safe and secure learning environment for all children.
The memory of the two children who lost their lives would live on, a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children.
Alarming trends of school building collapse in Nigeria:
Nigeria has experienced a number of devastating school building collapses in the past decade, resulting in significant loss of life and highlighting the need for improved safety measures and stricter regulations.
One of the most notable incidents occurred on March 13, 2019, in Lagos, where a three-story building housing a primary school collapsed, killing 20 people and leaving over 40 trapped, as reported by the BBC Africa.
This incident was particularly devastating, as it not only resulted in the loss of young lives but also left many families shattered.
The incident highlighted the issue of poor engineering and lack of maintenance in buildings.
Weekends@ITREALMS investigations revealed that the school building had been constructed illegally and had not been properly inspected or certified by relevant authorities.
This lack of oversight and regulation led to a tragedy that could have been prevented and may not end soon as government personnel prefer to line their pockets than doing the right and just thing for the society.
Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one. Over the past 50 years, building collapse in Lagos State alone have resulted in the loss of over 400 lives, with at least 135 cases reported between 2007 and 2019, according to The Gaurdian. This trend is alarming and shows no signs of abating soon.
In addition to the human cost, building collapse also have significant economic and social implications. Families are left to pick up the pieces, struggling to come to terms with the loss of loved ones. Communities are left to mourn, and the social fabric is torn apart.
Way forward:
So, what can be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring? The answer lies in improved safety measures and stricter regulations.
Firstly, there is a need for stricter building codes and regulations. Buildings should be designed and constructed with safety in mind, taking into account factors such as soil quality, weather conditions, and population density. Regular inspections and certifications should be mandatory to ensure that buildings are safe for occupancy.
Secondly, there is a need for improved maintenance and upkeep of buildings. Regular maintenance can help identify potential hazards and prevent collapses. Building owners and managers should be held accountable for ensuring that their buildings are safe and well-maintained.
Thirdly, there is a need for increased awareness and education. Building occupants, particularly children, should be educated on safety procedures and emergency protocols. This can help prevent injuries and fatalities in the event of a collapse.
Finally, there is a need for effective emergency response planning. Emergency services should be equipped to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a building collapse. This can help minimize the impact of a disaster and prevent further loss of life.
Submission:
In conclusion, the trend of school building collapses in Nigeria is alarming and requires immediate attention. Improved safety measures, stricter regulations, and increased awareness and education can help prevent such tragedies from occurring.
It is time for Nigeria to take action and ensure that its buildings are safe for all occupants, most for the school children.
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