Panic gripped residents of the Odo-Kekere community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Thursday evening after a classroom block in a public school collapsed shortly after school hours.
The loud crash from the incident sent shockwaves through nearby buildings, raising fears of possible casualties.
However, the Lagos State Government later confirmed that no student or staff member was injured in the collapse.
In a statement on Friday, the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) said the affected structure was a bungalow classroom block and assured the public that all pupils were safe.
“The state government regrets the unfortunate incident. All our students are in perfect condition,” the statement said.
According to the SCRPS, internal records showed that the collapsed building had already been identified as unsafe and marked for demolition prior to the incident.
Plans were reportedly in place to replace it with a modern classroom block capable of accommodating the school’s growing population.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an immediate investigation into the collapse and directed that pupils be temporarily relocated to nearby schools to ensure academic activities continue without disruption.
The governor also approved an on-the-spot assessment by officials of the SCRPS, with a view to commencing the construction of a new, ultra-modern classroom facility as soon as possible.
The incident added to a troubling list of building collapses recorded in Lagos over the past year, underscoring persistent concerns over structural integrity, enforcement of building regulations and public safety in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
