Nasarawa Assembly Orders Immediate Halt to Construction of Model One Smart School Due to Safety Concerns

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has instructed the contractor responsible for the construction of the Model One Smart School in Lafia to vacate the site immediately, pending further notice. This directive was issued by Abel Yakubu Bala, Chairman of the House Committee on Education, during a site inspection of the project.

Accompanied by officials from the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the committee assessed the ongoing construction of basic schools in the state capital. During the visit to the Model One Smart School, located opposite the Special School in Lafia, the lawmakers noted significant flaws in the construction, with structural issues identified from the foundation up to the lintel level. These faults raised serious safety concerns, leading Abel Bala to emphasize that the project could pose risks and should not continue.

In response to the committee’s findings, the contractor has been ordered to evacuate the site immediately.

Following the inspection, Muhammad Musa Dan’Azumi, Chairman of SUBEB, informed the committee that 175 educational projects have been funded through this year’s budget, reiterating the government’s commitment to enhancing the education sector in the state.

The committee also visited Government Comprehensive Special School in Lafia, where Head Dr. Andrew Yakubu reported that while the school is performing adequately, it faces challenges due to staff shortages and lack of mobility.

Additionally, during an assessment at the Nasarawa State Relevant Technology Board, the lawmakers encountered dilapidated structures in need of urgent attention, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the state’s educational infrastructure.