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| Collapsed WASSCE hall in Namnai, Taraba, with debris and broken roof structure after heavy rain and windstorm during exam |
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of panic. “We saw the walls crack first,” said one student who narrowly avoided injury. “Then the roof split open and came down in seconds.” Another supervisor noted that the building, though decades old, showed no obvious signs of imminent collapse before the storm hit. No fatalities have been reported, but several students suffered fractures to their arms and legs, while others endured bruises and lacerations .
The WASSCE remains one of Nigeria’s most critical academic benchmarks. Each year, over a million students sit for the exams that determine their eligibility for tertiary education. Disruptions of this scale risk undermining both candidates’ performance and public confidence in exam integrity. In Taraba State, the collapse has prompted calls for urgent reviews of all exam venues’ structural safety, especially as the rainy season intensifies across the region .
Initial investigations suggest the combination of sustained downpour and sudden wind gusts exceeded the hall’s capacity. Structural engineers point out that many school buildings erected in the 1970s and 1980s were not designed for current climate patterns, which now include more frequent intense storms. “Roof coverings, load-bearing columns, and wall reinforcements must be reassessed,” said Engr. Musa Abdullahi, a civil engineer based in neighboring Benue State. He stressed that many rural schools lack routine maintenance and formal safety audits .
Within hours of the incident, local volunteers—farmers, traders, and youths—organized into ad hoc rescue teams. They worked alongside teachers to clear debris and carry injured students to safety. The Primary Healthcare Centre in Namnai, ordinarily equipped for minor ailments, suddenly became a triage point. Medical staff treated fractures and bleeding, while ambulances transferred the most critical cases to Jalingo, the state capital, some 70 kilometers away .
In Jalingo, WASSCE candidates also faced complications. Heavy rains flooded streets, leaving many stranded and forcing them to write late into the night under floodlights. Parents reported that some examinees did not return home until after 1 a.m., raising health and safety concerns amid rising temperatures and waning supervision .
State education officials have yet to issue a detailed report. A brief statement from the Taraba Ministry of Education acknowledged the collapse and pledged a full inquiry. “We mourn the injuries sustained and will ensure all exam venues meet safety standards before resuming,” said Commissioner Dr. Hauwa Gambo. She declined to confirm whether the WASSCE schedule would be adjusted, noting that any change must align with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) guidelines .
WAEC has not released an official comment on the collapse. Historically, the body has insisted that exam venues are the responsibility of state governments. Nonetheless, education advocates argue that WAEC should require formal structural surveys before each exam season. “WAEC sets exam conditions; it must also ensure candidates’ safety,” said Mrs. Ifeoma Uche, president of the Nigerian Parents Association. Uche called for transparent rules that mandate maintenance records for every hall used during exams .
Students at Government Secondary School, Namnai, described a mix of fear and relief. “I was writing English when I heard cracking,” said Josephine, a senior student. “I ducked, and the wall beside me fell. I’m okay, but I still tremble when I remember.” Fellow candidate Ibrahim noted that the incident made him rethink his family’s choice of a rural exam center. “We all studied here, but safety should come first,” he said .
Parents in Gassol LGA have formed a committee to assess local schools’ conditions. They plan to hire private engineers to inspect buildings before the next school term. “We pay school fees; we deserve safe classrooms,” said Mr. Aliyu Musa, a committee member whose daughter was among the injured. He called on the Taraba government to fund school repairs proactively, rather than waiting for disasters .
Nationally, the collapse has reignited debate over Nigeria’s aging educational infrastructure. According to a 2024 report by the Federal Ministry of Education, one in three public secondary schools requires major repairs, and nearly half lack reliable weatherproofing. Experts warn that without significant investment, more students could face harm. Budgetary constraints and competing priorities, however, often delay corrective work .
Human rights groups emphasize that an education system should guarantee both learning and safety. “A country cannot claim progress if its children study under collapsing roofs,” said Dr. Amina Bello of the Civil Society Education Watch. Bello recommends that federal, state, and local governments establish a joint fund to upgrade school buildings, with transparent procurement and community oversight .
Looking ahead, the Taraba State Government has convened an emergency meeting with education and infrastructure ministries. Engineers, union representatives, and parent leaders will draft a 90-day action plan, aiming to inspect all 200 secondary school halls in the state. The plan will prioritize sites used for national exams and include costed timelines for repairs or replacements .
As the rainy season continues, WASSCE candidates nationwide await clarity on possible exam rescheduling. WAEC’s forthcoming statement will likely address safety protocols and whether it will require pre-exam structural certifications. Meanwhile, the story from Namnai serves as a stark reminder: ensuring safe learning environments must go hand in hand with academic assessment .