Taraba Govt To Install Fire Prevention Facilities In Public Schools

Taraba State government plans to install fire prevention facilities in public secondary schools to safeguard the students and teachers.

The commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Augustina, disclosed this during an assessment visit to the Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Jalingo, over a fire incident that affected parts of the school last Sunday.

Augustina said that although no life was lost in the incident, the fire lasted for nearly an hour due to a delayed response from firefighters.

She noted that the situation was eventually brought under control through the prompt intervention of the school’s principal, who mobilised and brought the situation under control.

According to the commissioner, properties damaged by the fire included desks, learning materials, a multipurpose examination hall and other valuable items.

She added that investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the incident.

The Commissioner, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Idris Goje, and the Secretary, Mr. Benjamin Zantimaba, inspected the affected facilities during the visit.

Dr. Augustina, expressed deep concern over the incident, and further sympathised with the school management, staff and students over the losses recorded.

She commended the school authority for its swift action, which prevented the fire from spreading further.

She assured the school community that, the state government would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage with a view to providing the necessary support and restoring the affected facilities as quickly as possible.

The Commissioner also emphasised the need to strengthen safety measures in schools, including regular security checks to prevent intrusions and the installation of improved fire prevention mechanisms in order to avert future occurrences.

In his response, the principal of the school appreciated Dr. Augustina for her prompt visit and concern, noting that the government’s intervention would boost the morale of staff and students affected by the incident.