Private School Finally Breaks Silence Over Collapsed Building

Two main private school associations in Lagos State- the Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED) and National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) – have denied associations with the school that collapsed on Massey Street, Lagos Island, Ohen Private Nursery and Primary School.

National President AFED, the umbrella group of private schools that serve the low-income members of the society, Mr. Emmanuel Orji, told The Nation that the group had no records of the school’s membership.

“We have tried searching for information about the school.  I don’t think it is one of our members.

“I have called people in that area to confirm.  But if anything comes up, would let you know,” he told The Nation on phone.

In the past, the Lagos State government had clamped down on AFED schools for not being registered or operating according to laid down rules and regulations for the establishment of schools.

Orji said the space constraints in the densely populated area where the collapsed school was located may have limited the choice of properties available to use for schools.

READ ALSO: Ambode orders investigation of collapsed building
“Government has established regulations on the kind of structure schools can operate from.  We keep to government regulations.  For instance a school that is more than two stories will not be approved.

“My members are basically in the slum areas.  Our members cannot afford to build large structures so usually they get land and start with makeshift structures.

“The area where this incident took place has old buildings and is congested.

“That may be the reason the proprietor may have used such building for school,” he said.

Expressing regret about the incident, he called on school owners to prioritise safety and security when establishing schools.

“It is unfortunate.  My heart is with those who lost their loved ones and my prayers are with them.

“We pray this never happens again. I want to use this opportunity to say we want schools to keep to government regulations and put safety and security first when establishing schools,” he said.

President, NAPPS Lagos State, Alhaji Wasiu Adumadeyi, said the school was not under its fold.

He however noted he visited the site and promised greater cooperation with government.

“No, the school is not among our members.  But as association of proprietors of private schools anything that concerns a private school, concerns us.

“We have been there today to assess the situation and pay condolence visit.

“We have resolved to partner with the ministry of education to ensure this never happens again in this industry,” he said.