Following relentless downpours over the past week in Nasarawa State, lecture halls at the Federal University of Lafia have been inundated by floodwaters.

Students faced significant challenges accessing classes as floodwaters blocked pathways within the campus premises, leaving many stranded at the school gate.

Expressing his concern, student Mr. Felix appealed to university authorities to swiftly address the situation to prevent future disruptions to academic activities.

“We are unable to attend lectures due to the flooding in many of our lecture halls,” Felix lamented. “While the rains have been intense lately, we urge the school management to find a lasting solution so that we can avoid missing classes in the future.”

Critically assessing the situation, Felix also raised concerns about the construction of certain school buildings in flood-prone areas, advocating for intervention from the Federal Government in the form of expert land surveyors to assess and mitigate the persistent flooding issues.

In response to the crisis, the Nasarawa State Government has initiated measures to alleviate flood impacts on tertiary institutions susceptible to flooding across the state.

Margaret Elayo, the State Commissioner for Special Duties on Humanitarian Services and NGOs, conveyed this during her visit to the Federal University of Lafia’s Faculty of Arts multi-purpose hall, which was submerged following the heavy rainfall.

Expressing sympathy for affected students and faculty, Elayo assured university management of the government’s commitment to providing necessary support.

“We are dedicated to finding effective solutions to mitigate flood impacts and assist the university community in resuming normal academic activities,” she affirmed.

During her inspection, Elayo and her team surveyed several affected lecture halls, including those in departments such as English and Literary Studies, History and International Studies, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Visual and Creative Arts.

Elayo emphasized that her visit aimed to assess firsthand the extent of the damage caused by flooding and pledged to collaborate with the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency to implement viable solutions promptly, ensuring students can promptly return to their regular academic routines.