Flood submerges Nasarawa university lecture halls

Floodwaters have inundated several lecture halls at the Faculty of Arts, Federal University of Lafia in Nasarawa State, severely disrupting academic activities. The flooding has forced students and lecturers to find alternative arrangements, with many 200-level students expressing frustration over the impact on their studies.

“We are going through a difficult time,” one student shared anonymously. “Our examinations are fast approaching, and our lecturers are struggling to conduct classes in these conditions.”

Due to the flood, some lectures had to be rescheduled, while others saw students standing outside overcrowded halls. The students have urgently appealed to both federal and state governments to address the flooding, especially with second-semester exams nearing. They warned that without immediate action, the structural integrity of university buildings could be at risk.

Criticizing the placement of university buildings in low-lying areas, students have urged the federal government to send land surveyors to resolve the persistent flooding issues.

In response, the Nasarawa State government is taking steps to mitigate the flood’s effects in vulnerable tertiary institutions. Commissioner for Special Duties on Humanitarian Services and NGOs, Princess Margaret Elayo, inspected the heavily impacted Multi-purpose Hall of the Faculty of Arts and assured the university management of government support.

During her visit, Princess Elayo inspected several submerged lecture halls, including those for English and Literary Studies, History and International Studies, as well as faculties of Sciences, Social Sciences, and Visual and Creative Arts.

“The purpose of my visit is to gather first-hand information and to assess the extent of the damage caused by the floods,” she stated. She also pledged to engage with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA) to explore possible solutions and ensure a swift return to normal academic activities.