Jos, Plateau State — The Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has ordered the immediate closure of Abu Sinan High School in the Sabon Layi community due to serious safety concerns about the building’s structural integrity.
The directive was issued on Monday following an on-site inspection conducted by Sani Garkuwa, Deputy Chairman of the Local Government Area, who observed that the school’s structure did not adhere to approved building plan standards.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mercy Kachollom Chuwang, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, LGA Chairman John Christopher confirmed the development.
“Students in the classrooms are seriously at risk due to cracks in the walls and beams. The fissures show compromised structural integrity that could cause an abrupt collapse, particularly under the weight of daily use and during examinations,” the statement read.
According to the statement, some of the cracks run the entire length of load-bearing beams, while others branch across wall panels, indicating severe structural deficiencies that pose imminent danger to students and staff.
The extent of the damage was compared to recent building collapse incidents in Jos, where the use of inferior materials and insufficient reinforcement caused catastrophic failures resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
“We are giving the school administration instructions to stop 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 fatalities,” Christopher stated.
The statement also highlighted a stark inconsistency in the school’s identity, noting that while the signboard reads “Victory High Science School,” students’ uniforms bear the name “Abu Sinan High School“, raising questions about the institution’s legitimacy and proper registration.
The inspection further revealed that the facilities suffer from inadequate cross-ventilation, insufficient doors and windows, and substandard toilet facilities, making the learning environment unsuitable for students.
Consequently, the chairman directed the school administration to close the facility immediately and reapply for permission using a current building plan and relevant registration documents from appropriate authorities.
In order to protect the lives of students, the statement warned all school owners in Jos North to strictly adhere to approved building specifications. The council threatened to conduct additional inspections and close any substandard schools found to be operating in violation of safety standards.
The directive comes against the backdrop of tragic building collapse incidents in Plateau State. On July 12, 2024, a structure at Saints Academy College in the Busa Buji neighborhood of Jos North collapsed, trapping approximately 120 students and killing at least 22 people.
This incident, which shocked the nation, highlighted the critical need for stricter enforcement of building codes and safety standards in educational institutions throughout the state.
Building safety experts have consistently warned that many structures in Jos and surrounding areas were constructed without proper engineering assessments, adequate materials, or adherence to approved plans, creating dangerous conditions for occupants.
The Jos North local government’s proactive approach in ordering the closure of Abu Sinan High School before a catastrophic incident occurs represents a shift toward preventive action following previous tragedies.
Parents and guardians of students at the affected school have been advised to make alternative arrangements for their children’s education while the school addresses the structural deficiencies and regulatory compliance issues.
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The closure is expected to remain in place until the school administration can demonstrate compliance with all building safety standards and obtain proper authorisation from relevant government agencies.
Education stakeholders in Plateau State have called for comprehensive inspections of all school buildings across the state to identify and address potential safety hazards before they result in loss of life.
This report was produced by the editorial team at The Gazette News | Independent. Human-Centred. Impactful in line with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Information in this article is based on verified sources available at the time of publication. The Gazette News | Independent. Human-Centred. Impactful may update the story as new facts emerge or additional context becomes available.
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