NIGERIA: Students Escape Death As Classroom Collapses During WAEC Exams In Taraba

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Final year students of Government Secondary School, Namnai in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State narrowly escaped death on Wednesday after a classroom collapsed while they were sitting for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The tragedy occurred around 6 p.m., shortly after the students began their second paper of the day.

A heavy downpour, accompanied by a fierce windstorm, battered the town, leading to the collapse of the already dilapidated school structure.

Eyewitnesses told the media that students, teachers, WAEC supervisors, and serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were trapped under the rubble.

It reportedly took hours of intense rescue efforts by local residents to free the victims.

Alhaji DanAzumi Lauris, a resident of Namnai, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview, stating that the first batch of students had completed their exams and left the building before the second set resumed, moments before the disaster struck.

“Suddenly, the wind intensified, and then the walls caved in. It was like a nightmare. We had to act quickly to rescue those trapped,” he said.

Several students, both male and female, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Some reportedly suffered fractures in their legs, arms, and other body parts.

The injured were rushed to a nearby Primary Healthcare Centre, located just a few metres from the school premises, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

In addition to the school building, the storm destroyed several houses within Namnai town, worsening the impact of the severe weather.

Parents and community leaders have called on the Taraba State Government and relevant education authorities to immediately intervene, repair the damaged infrastructure, and ensure safe learning environments for students.