Collapse of staircase leaves students unharmed but school faces challenges
Over 300 senior female students at Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Janbulo, Kano State, Nigeria, narrowly escaped disaster on Thursday when a staircase leading to their upstairs classrooms collapsed. The incident occurred during lesson hours and left the students trapped until teachers evacuated them safely.
The school principal, Hajiya Jamila Mustafa Mai Nasara, reported that staff quickly responded after hearing cries for help from one-storey building where students were taking classes in two upstairs classrooms. “We heard shouting from the affected area,” she said. “We rushed there and found the staircase had collapsed.”
“Fortunately, no lives were lost, but we are dealing with a major setback as the affected classrooms cater to 30 percent of our science students,” Mai Nasara added.Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the collapse of the staircase?
The collapse was caused by years of structural deterioration. The roof had been leaking for four years, and repairs were only recently made before the structure finally gave way.
Who is responsible for repairing the damaged area?
The school has already reported the incident to Kano State Secondary Schools Management Board. However, as of now, no statement from the state government regarding repair measures has been issued.
What are the plans moving forward for students who depend on these classrooms?
If repairs take too long or if funding is scarce, the school may be forced to ask some science students to remain at home until class sizes can be managed in available classrooms. This situation exacerbates the challenges faced by GGSS Janbulo in maintaining proper educational standards.