The Federal Government panel investigating the collapse of a two-storey school building in Jos, Plateau State, revealed that weak building materials caused the tragedy that killed over 22 people. The preliminary report was released on Tuesday.
Samson Duna, Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, explained that the panel, led by O.F. Job from the University of Jos, discovered that the building appeared distressed due to the use of substandard materials.
Duna stated, “The physical observation of the building looks distressed. The quantity of concrete is in doubt because there was no boundary between the concrete and the steel reinforcement.”
Job noted that the slab reinforcement anchorage was inadequate and the foundation size was below the required standards.
“The sizes of the footing provided were lesser than the required number (1200 mm X 1200mm),” he added.
A comprehensive report will follow after further investigation.
Duna urged the government and construction professionals to conduct integrity tests on all distressed buildings, especially those near the collapsed site. He highlighted that Nigeria faces an average of 20 building collapses annually, particularly during the rainy season, and emphasized the need to combat this issue rigorously.
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He called for stricter enforcement of building codes, regulations, and standards.
“There should be professionalism by ensuring that only qualified professionals like registered architects, engineers, and builders are involved in building projects,” Duna said.
He also warned against contractors borrowing certificates from professionals, suggesting that both parties should face sanctions.
Duna stressed the importance of public awareness regarding building safety and the risks of illegal construction. He advocated for collaborative efforts among government agencies, professionals, and the public to share knowledge and global best practices.
The incident occurred at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community of Jos North Local Government Area on Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of over 22 individuals. Approximately 154 people trapped in the rubble were rescued and taken to hospitals.