Toddler dies: Senate requests that FG evaluate the infrastructure of schools for risks
The Nigerian Senate on Monday adopted a resolution asking the Federal and State Ministries of Education to immediately conduct a risk assessment of school infrastructure to identify hazards and vulnerabilities and timeously identify means to mitigate the hazards.
The resolution was arrived at after a thorough debate on a motion, “Urgent Need to mandate schools to locate their creche and nursery classes on the ground floors of their high-rise buildings and implement safety protocols.”
The motion, which was sponsored by Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, expressed deep concerns over the death of a toddler, David Etim Udo, on October 24, 2023, at the Emerald International School in Aba, Abia State.
The lawmaker explained that the late toddler fell from the school high-rise building, leading to his tragic death.
He said: “Notes with grief the death of a toddler, David Etim Udo, on October 24, 2023, who fell from a high-rise building at Emerald International School, Aba.
“Further notes that the building brought to the fore again the issue of safety in our schools, particularly for babies and toddlers in creche and nursery schools across Nigeria.
“Aware that accidents do occur, including falls from multi-floor buildings in our schools, resulting in injuries, temporary or permanent disabilities, and, in some cases, deaths.”
The lawmaker noted that the case of David Udo was a pathetic one and urged the Senate to critically look into the matter to propose safety rules for schools.
After contributions by other lawmakers, the Senate upheld the resolution, urging the police to immediately commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall and subsequent death of baby David Udo.
Reacting, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the sponsor of the motion and initiated a one-minute silence for the toddler.
The Senate, thereafter, upheld a prayer urging the Federal and State Education ministries to enforce safety protocols across schools.