A catastrophic incident occurred in the evening of Wednesday, 28 May, 2025 at Government Secondary School, Namnai, in Gassol Local Government of Taraba State, when a classroom block collapsed during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Dozens of students narrowly escaped death as the aging structure gave way under a heavy downpour accompanied by a fierce windstorm.
The collapse, which took place while students were writing their exams, caused panic as candidates, teachers, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, and external supervisors fled for their lives.
According to reports, local residents swiftly intervened, rescuing those trapped in the debris. Several students sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. No fatalities were reported, but the incident disrupted the examination process, leaving candidates stranded and exams delayed.
The collapsed building, described as dilapidated, has raised concerns about the state of infrastructure in public schools across Taraba. Eyewitnesses attributed the incident to poor maintenance and the severe weather conditions that have plagued the region. The heavy rainfall also exacerbated challenges in Gassol, where the Namnai Bridge, a vital link for commuters, remains unrepaired since its collapse in August 2024, further isolating communities.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) issued an apology for logistical delays in the examination process, including the late delivery of objective section papers. Taraba State education authorities have promised an investigation into the incident, while calls for urgent infrastructure upgrades grow louder. The state government, led by Governor Agbu Kefas, has been urged to prioritize school renovations to prevent future tragedies.
This incident underscores the broader issue of decaying educational facilities in the country, prompting demands for immediate government intervention to ensure student safety and uninterrupted academic activities.
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