A severe rainstorm has caused extensive damage to infrastructure at the Federal Government Unity College located in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Sunday PUNCH, the incident occurred on Friday evening during a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds, which tore through several parts of the school.
Among the affected structures were the fence surrounding the girls’ hostel, the Basic Science Laboratory, and multiple classroom blocks used by Junior Secondary 1, Junior Secondary 2, and Senior Secondary 2 students. The administrative offices, including that of the Vice Principal, were also damaged.
Additionally, the storm destroyed essential facilities such as the school’s e-library—where a number of computers were affected—a solar panel installation, a water pumping system, water storage tanks scattered across the premises, and a generator set.
A video that has since gone viral shows female students in distress, crying and scrambling for safety as the storm ripped through parts of the school.
In response to the destruction, the school management has suspended academic activities to allow for urgent repairs. A message shared via the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) platform on Saturday directed parents to keep their children at home until further notice.
The statement, signed by the PTA Chairman, Dr. J. Etim, reads: “This is to inform all parents that their children/wards who have not returned to the college should not return until further notice.
“Only students of examination classes (JSS3 and SS3) should return. There has been a rainstorm that has affected all the buildings and facilities in the college. In view of the above, no more resumption tomorrow except for students of JSS3 and SS3. Parents should comply with this directive, please. Treat as a matter of importance.”
Efforts are now underway to assess the full extent of the damage and begin immediate repairs.
