The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced its partnership with the Council for Registration of Engineers in Nigeria to combat the alarming rise in school building collapses across the nation.
During a recent training session for UBEC’s physical planning department, Executive Secretary Dr. Hamid Bobboyi emphasized the need for improved project quality, highlighting the use of basic assessment tools for on-site evaluations. The session took place at the UBEC Digital Resource Centre in Abuja and included collaboration with the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute.
Bobboyi stated that UBEC will adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards substandard project execution and urged contractors to prioritize the safety of school infrastructure. He underscored the importance of providing a secure and conducive learning environment for Nigerian children, who are particularly vulnerable during building failures.
The commission is set to deploy monitors to oversee construction sites regularly, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Bobboyi pointed out the critical age range of children affected by these incidents and mentioned a past building collapse in Jos as a grave concern.
He reiterated UBEC’s commitment to collaborating with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) to enhance educational infrastructure quality. Furthermore, he acknowledged ongoing efforts with the NBRRI and the Council for Registration of Engineers, emphasizing the inclusion of advanced equipment to test the strength of construction materials.
Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General of NBRRI, described the training initiative as a proactive measure to prevent further school building collapses in Nigeria. He warned contractors against neglecting construction specifications and affirmed UBEC’s approach to verifying the quality of materials used in projects.
Contractors must adhere to the required specifications for concrete and steel, with UBEC staff equipped with necessary tools to assess material compliance during site visits. Ensuring the structural integrity of educational facilities remains a top priority for the commission as it strives to safeguard the future of Nigeria’s children.
