WAEC candidates narrowly escape tragedy as classroom collapses during storm

A disaster was narrowly averted on Wednesday evening in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, when classrooms at Government Secondary School, Namnai, collapsed amid a violent downpour and high-speed winds, leaving several students injured.

The incident occurred during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

At the time of the collapse, the school premises were still populated with students, teachers, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and external examination supervisors.

Eyewitnesses reported that the collapse happened suddenly as strong winds ripped through the area, causing portions of the already dilapidated structure to give way.

Panic ensued as many students and staff members were temporarily trapped under the debris. Local residents, upon hearing cries for help, rushed to the scene and engaged in a frantic rescue operation, pulling victims from the rubble.

Several students sustained various degrees of injuries, with some suspected to have suffered fractures. The injured are currently receiving treatment at the Namnai Primary Healthcare Centre.

School authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of injured, but sources say the toll could rise as assessments continue.

READ ALSO: WAEC kicks off 2025 exams under tight security as examination malpractice Concerns Persist

Community members have since expressed outrage over the poor condition of the school buildings, blaming authorities for long-standing neglect and the failure to renovate aging infrastructure. Local education officials were seen at the site later that evening, assessing the damage and gathering reports from witnesses.

This incident adds to growing concerns about the state of public education facilities in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, where schools often operate with minimal infrastructure support.

Stakeholders are now calling on both state and federal governments to immediately intervene with emergency renovations and enhanced safety measures to protect students.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has yet to release a formal statement on the impact of the incident on the ongoing WASSCE examinations at the school.