The management of Federal Government College (FGC) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, has announced a delay in the resumption of classes for students in JSS1, JSS2, SS1, and SS2 after a severe rainstorm caused significant damage to the school’s infrastructure.
The announcement was shared in a statement from the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which was made available to journalists in Uyo on Saturday.
The decision to postpone resumption aims to provide sufficient time for the necessary repairs and restoration of the affected facilities. Parents of students impacted by the storm are advised against sending their children back to school until further notice.
The statement emphasized: “We wish to inform all parents that children/wards who have not yet returned to the college should refrain from doing so until further notice. Only students in examination classes, specifically JSS3 and SS3, should return. The rainstorm has impacted all college buildings and facilities.”
Reports indicate extensive damage across the campus, including the girls’ hostel fence, the Basic Science Laboratory, classroom blocks for JSS1, JSS2, and SS2, administrative offices, the Vice Principals’ offices, the e-library, computers, and the solar-powered water pump. Furthermore, a fallen tree destroyed the school’s generator house, leaving the power facilities inoperable.
A viral video captured the distress of female students as they sought shelter amidst the storm’s chaos.
In a follow-up communication, the PTA reassured parents that all students and staff members were unharmed, despite the extent of the damage.
The statement continued: “Dear esteemed parents, we are relieved to report that both students and staff are safe. It is understandable to feel anxious upon hearing about the devastating rainstorm. However, please rest assured that staff members, including the Director/Principal—whose accommodations were also affected—worked diligently to ensure the safety of all students. We are grateful for divine intervention; the situation could have been much worse.”