BENUE: STUDENTS TAKE EXAMS IN STORM-DAMAGED CLASSROOMS AT OTUKPO SCHOOL
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Students of Jesus College in Otukpo, Benue State, resumed their terminal examinations on Monday, only to find their classrooms and school facilities severely damaged by a windstorm.
The school’s principal, Simon Omala, explained that the storm, which hit on Friday night, caused extensive destruction to critical areas of the school, including classrooms, laboratories, and staff quarters.
“The windstorm destroyed almost everything in the school—staff quarters, classrooms, the staff room, and the exam hall. Virtually every part of the school was affected,” Mr. Omala said.
He noted that students were off-campus when the storm hit, returning to find the school severely damaged.
“This morning, the students came back to continue their terminal examinations and were shocked by the extent of the destruction,” he said.
Founded in 1954 and now managed by the Benue State Government, the school has over 400 students. At least 12 classrooms lost their roofs, and several other buildings sustained damage.
Laboratory facilities were also affected, with rainwater damaging equipment in the ICT lab.
“Our ICT laboratory was hit hard. Rainwater soaked some of the equipment, and electronics cannot survive such exposure, so some of the facilities are already ruined,” he explained.
Despite the damage, examinations are continuing under temporary arrangements, with students using alternative spaces such as the chapel.
“We are making temporary arrangements to allow students to complete their exams. Some are writing in the chapel and other areas that were not completely destroyed,” he said.
Mr. Omala stated that the school would close temporarily after the examinations to allow for damage assessment and repairs. He warned that the destruction could affect preparations for the upcoming WASSCE in April.
“Students are meant to study in their classrooms and prepare adequately. With the buildings destroyed, it will cause significant inconvenience,” he said.
Bernard Oga, the Area Education Officer for Otukpo, described the damage as extensive after visiting the school.
“It is truly devastating. Almost the entire school has been affected,” Mr. Oga said.
He confirmed that the situation has been reported to the state Ministry of Education.
“I have sent pictures of the destruction to the Commissioner for Education and have been instructed to submit a detailed report,” he added.
Mr. Oga also noted that other schools in the area suffered damage and would be inspected.
The storm also impacted homes and businesses across Otukpo, prompting the Och’Idoma, Elaigwu Odogbo, to call for urgent intervention.
Through a statement released by the Mayor of Otukpo, Ignatius Ogbogo, the traditional ruler appealed for support from federal and state governments, as well as emergency agencies, to assist those affected.
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