“We Ran for Our Lives”, Students Recount Terrifying Moments After Lagos School Collapse
Students of Yemco Nursery, Primary and Comprehensive College in the Ogba area of Lagos have continued to recount the frightening moments when a section of a classroom block collapsed within the school premises, an incident that has raised concerns not only about safety but also about how such experiences can affect children’s ability to learn.
The collapse, which occurred around 11 a.m on Monday., caused panic among students and teachers who rushed to safety as dust filled the air. Although no injuries or fatalities were recorded, students described scenes of fear and confusion as they tried to move away from the affected building.
One student, Emmanuel, said he heard a loud cracking sound shortly before the structure came down.
“I was in class when I heard the sound and then everywhere became dusty,” he said. “People started running and I ran into another classroom block.”
Another student, 14-year-old Blessing, said the incident left many students worried that other buildings might also collapse.
“I thought the other classrooms might fall too, so I ran outside the school compound,” she said.
While the quick evacuation prevented casualties, child protection experts note that such incidents can have lasting effects on children’s sense of safety in school. When students experience frightening events in spaces that are meant to protect them, it can affect concentration, participation and overall learning.
Children who witness structural collapses or chaotic evacuations may develop anxiety about returning to classrooms, especially if they fear that the buildings are unsafe. Younger pupils in particular may struggle to understand what happened, making reassurance and support from teachers and caregivers essential.
A disrupted sense of safety can also interfere with a child’s ability to focus on lessons. Instead of engaging with learning activities, some students may remain alert to possible danger, which can affect academic performance and emotional wellbeing.
For this reason, education and safeguarding specialists stress that the best interest of the child must remain central in decisions taken by school authorities and regulators. Ensuring safe infrastructure, conducting regular building inspections and clearly communicating safety measures are critical steps in protecting students.
Schools also have a responsibility to provide emotional support after frightening incidents, helping children process the experience and rebuild their sense of security. Creating a safe and stable learning environment is essential not only for protecting children from harm but also for ensuring that they can learn, develop and thrive.
