Authorities of the Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State have ordered the immediate closure of Abu Sinan High School in the Sabon Layi community due to serious safety risks linked to the school’s structural condition.
The directive followed an on-the-spot inspection led by the Deputy Chairman of the LGA, Sani Garkuwa, who discovered that the school’s building failed to meet approved construction standards.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Jos North LGA, John Christopher, said the decision was taken to prevent a possible building collapse that could endanger students’ lives.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mercy Kachollom Chuwang, the chairman disclosed that visible cracks were found in critical parts of the structure.
“Cracks were observed in the beams and walls, posing a serious safety risk to students in the classrooms. The fissures, some running the full length of load-bearing beams and others branching across wall panels, indicate compromised structural integrity that could trigger a sudden collapse, especially under the weight of daily use and during examinations,” the statement said.
The LGA noted that the damage observed at the school mirrors previous incidents in Jos where the use of substandard materials and poor reinforcement resulted in deadly building collapses.
“We are directing the school authorities to cease all operations and send the students home. This action is to ensure that schools remain safe and conducive for learning, and to prevent any building collapse that could lead to loss of lives,” Christopher added.
Authorities also raised concerns about inconsistencies in the school’s identity, noting that while the signboard reads “Victory High Science School,” students’ uniforms carry the name “Abu Sinan High School.” This, the LGA said, raises questions about the school’s registration and credibility.
Further inspections revealed that the premises lack proper cross-ventilation, adequate doors and windows, as well as functional toilet facilities, making the learning environment unsafe and substandard.
As a result, the chairman ordered the school management to shut down immediately and reapply for approval with a valid building plan and relevant registration certificates from the appropriate authorities.
He also warned all private school owners in Jos North to strictly adhere to approved building specifications, stressing that further inspections would be carried out.
“Any school found to be operating below safety standards will be closed to safeguard the lives of our children,” the statement warned.
The closure comes amid memories of a tragic incident in the area. A building collapse at Saints Academy College in the Busa Buji community of Jos North some years ago claimed the lives of at least 22 students and left about 120 others trapped.
