The Honourable Minister for Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has conveyed his heartfelt condolences following the tragic collapse of the Saints Academy building in Busa Buji, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday around 8:30 a.m. during school hours, tragically coincided with the students’ third-term examinations.
In a statement shared on his Twitter page, Professor Mamman expressed profound sorrow over the loss. “It is with deep sorrow that we received the devastating news of the building collapse in Saints Academy, Busa Buji in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, which occurred during school hours when classes were in session. The entire Federal Ministry of Education feels a sense of collective loss and sorrow over the death of these young ones, especially occurring when they were writing exams meant to advance their level of education,” he stated.
Professor Mamman extended his condolences to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the bereaved families, the families of the injured victims, and the entire people of Plateau State.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the bereaved families, the families of all the injured victims, and the entire people of Plateau State. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured ones recover speedily. We stand in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time.”
The Minister also expressed his appreciation for the prompt intervention by the search and rescue team and members of the public who quickly rushed to the school premises to assist in evacuating the surviving students and staff members. “Their prompt action undoubtedly saved lives and brought immediate relief to those trapped in the rubble,” he noted.
In his statement, Professor Mamman urged relevant government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, to provide necessary support to the survivors.
“The collaboration of these agencies is crucial in ensuring that survivors receive the necessary care and assistance during this challenging period,” he added.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring structural integrity in all building constructions across Nigeria. He called on contractors and all agencies responsible for building construction to ensure the construction of solid and safe structures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
EduCeleb.com earlier reported that the state government had following the incidence ordered the closure of the school while planning a comprehensive audit of the integrity of school buildings in Plateau State.
As the nation mourns this tragic loss, the Honourable Minister for Education pledged continued support for the families and community affected by the calamity, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and well-being of students and educators across the country.
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