Authorities in Jos North Local Government Area have ordered the immediate shutdown of a private secondary school in the Sabon Layi area after inspectors flagged serious safety concerns.
The decision followed an on-the-spot assessment carried out on Monday by the council’s deputy chairman, Sani Garkuwa, who led a routine inspection of school facilities across the area.
During the visit, officials discovered that the school building did not align with approved construction standards, prompting fears that continued use could endanger students and staff.
Confirming the action on Tuesday, the council chairman, John Christopher, said the closure was unavoidable given the condition of the structure.
The statement was issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Mercy Kachollom Chuwang.
According to the council, visible cracks were found along key support beams and classroom walls, suggesting the building had lost its structural strength.
Officials warned that the damage could worsen under daily classroom activity.
“The safety of children cannot be negotiated,” Christopher said. “Once a structure shows signs of failure, our duty is to act before lives are put at risk.”
Moreover, the council linked the situation to a broader pattern of building failures recently recorded in Jos, many of which were blamed on poor construction practices and inferior materials.
Investigators also raised concerns about the school’s identity, noting inconsistencies between the name displayed on the school signboard and the one printed on students’ uniforms, a discrepancy officials described as troubling.
Furthermore, the inspection revealed that the premises lacked basic facilities, including adequate ventilation, functional doors and windows, and proper sanitation, falling short of acceptable learning standards.
As a result, the council directed the school’s management to suspend all academic activities and send students home with immediate effect.
Christopher added that the proprietors would only be allowed to reopen after submitting fresh building plans and securing the required approvals and registration documents from relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the Jos North leadership has warned other private school owners to comply strictly with building and safety regulations, stressing that additional inspections will be carried out across the local government area.
“Any school found to be unsafe will be closed without hesitation,” the chairman said, emphasizing that student safety remains the council’s top priority.