The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) announced a partnership with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to address the increasing incidents of school building collapses. The partnership was revealed during a training session for UBEC’s physical planning staff, aimed at enhancing the quality of school infrastructure projects.
UBEC’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, emphasized the importance of constructing safe and durable school buildings, particularly for vulnerable children aged five to twelve. He warned contractors against delivering substandard projects and stated that UBEC would deploy monitors to assess construction sites frequently.
The training, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and Tectonics Engineering Group, equipped UBEC staff with tools to assess the strength of materials used in construction. This proactive measure aims to ensure that school infrastructures meet required standards, thereby preventing future building collapses.
Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General of NBRRI, also stressed the need for contractors to adhere to specified construction standards, particularly in the use of concrete and steel. He warned that UBEC staff would be checking the quality of materials used on-site to ensure compliance with design specifications.
This initiative underscores UBEC’s commitment to providing safe and conducive learning environments for Nigerian children by improving the quality and safety of educational infrastructure across the country.
News Editor