Residents and community leaders in Odokekere, Ikorodu Local Council Area, Lagos State, are raising an alarm over the poor condition of Odokekere Community High School following the collapse of a makeshift classroom.
They have dismissed reports of casualties from the incident, describing such claims as false and misleading, while accusing the state government of long-standing neglect.
When The Guardian visited the school, it was discovered that the collapsed structure was a temporary classroom made of wood and planks, used by Jss 1 students. The structure reportedly fell against the school fence.
Community members explained that the makeshift classrooms were built through self-help after years of waiting for government intervention in the only public secondary school in the area.
Only three sections of the classrooms were constructed with blocks, while others were built with planks to accommodate students.
Findings also showed that classrooms used by JSS 2 students are in a dilapidated state, without doors or windows, while JSS 3 students also learn in plank-built structures.
The only visible government presence in the school includes chairs and tables donated to JSS 3 students, and a toilet facility refurbished under the iCare project in partnership with the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Jimi Benson.
Speaking with The Guardian, Chairman, Itesiwaju Community Development Area (CDA), Odokekere, Kazeem Gbotoba, said there were rumours that 10 to 20 students died in the collapse, but the claims are unfounded.
Community leaders are now calling for urgent government intervention to provide safe and permanent learning facilities for students.
