The Nigerian Senate on Monday adopted a resolution ordering the Federal and State Ministries of Education to promptly perform a risk assessment of school infrastructure to identify hazards and vulnerabilities and timeously establish methods to reduce the dangers.
The conclusion was reached following a lengthy debate on a motion titled “Urgent Need to Mandate Schools to Locate Creche and Nursery Classes on the Ground Floors of Their High-Rise Buildings and Implement Safety Protocols.”
The resolution, sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule of the Lagos West Senatorial District, expressed grave worry about the death of a child, David Etim Udo, on October 24, 2023, at the Emerald International School in Aba, Abia State.
The late toddler died after falling from the school’s high-rise structure, according to the legislator.
“Notes with sorrow, the death of a toddler, David Etim Udo, on the 24th of October 2023, who fell from a school high rise building at Emerald International School, Aba,” he said.
“Further notes that the building has brought to the forefront the issue of school safety, particularly for babies and toddlers in creches and nursery schools throughout Nigeria.”
“Aware that accidents do occur including falls from multi-floor buildings in our schools resulting in injuries, temporary or permanent disabilities and in some cases deaths.”
The legislator described David Udo’s tragedy as tragic and requested the Senate to conduct a thorough investigation in order to propose school safety guidelines.
Following comments from other members, the Senate upheld the resolution, calling the Police to launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding infant David Udo’s fall and subsequent death.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the motion’s sponsor and called for a minute of quiet for the toddler.
Following that, the Senate upheld a prayer encouraging the Federal and State Education Ministries to implement school safety standards.
