The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has commenced an investigation into the collapse of a school building housing Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College in the Aguda area of Ogba, Lagos.
The four-storey structure, located at 11 Adu Street behind County Hospital, reportedly collapsed around noon on Monday shortly after students and staff were evacuated from the premises.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, assuring residents and parents that the situation had been brought under control.
According to the commissioner, the evacuation was carried out promptly, with the building collapsing less than three minutes after learners and school personnel were moved to safety.
Officials who arrived at the scene observed that the collapsed structure and an adjoining residential building had already been sealed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) as part of immediate safety and regulatory measures.
Two officials of the agency were stationed at the site to secure the premises and prevent unauthorised access.
Alli-Balogun confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded, as students and staff had been successfully evacuated before the structure gave way.
He added that the school is an approved institution under the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA).
The commissioner said relevant government agencies, including LASBCA and other safety authorities, have begun technical assessments to determine the cause of the building collapse and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
He reiterated that the safety and wellbeing of learners and school personnel remain a top priority for the Lagos State Government.
Authorities have secured the affected premises to prevent further risks while structural and safety assessments continue.
Meanwhile, the OEQA has begun discussions with the school management to ensure that academic activities continue without significant disruption.
Plans are being considered for the introduction of temporary virtual learning arrangements as well as relocation to a temporary site where classes can resume safely.
The commissioner urged parents and members of the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, assuring that the situation is under control and being handled urgently by the state government.
He also noted that the ministry will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen safety monitoring across schools in the state to ensure learning environments remain safe for students.