Death of Toddler: Senate urges FG to conduct risk assessment of schools’ infrastructure

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 to 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 24th October, 2023 at the Emerald International School, 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 the 24th October 2023, who fell from a school 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 Creches 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 proffer 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 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.