AE-FUNAI VC Urges Enforcement of Building Standards After Private Hostel Collapse

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Professor Sunday Elom, has called on relevant authorities to strictly enforce construction standards to prevent further incidents of building collapse across the country.

This comes in response to the recent collapse of a three-storey building known as Pentagon Lodge, located in Izzangbo Ohankwu Village near the university. The structure served as a private hostel for students of AE-FUNAI. Although there were no casualties, several students reportedly lost property in the incident.

Professor Elom, while reacting to the collapse, expressed concern over the growing trend of private developers erecting buildings without proper supervision, monitoring, or adherence to established building codes. He warned that failure to enforce these standards could lead to more avoidable disasters in the future.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the Ebonyi State Government to launch a full investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the collapse and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. He stressed that such action would serve as a deterrent to corrupt or negligent contractors, engineers, and regulatory officials.

Sympathizing with affected students, Professor Elom thanked God that no lives were lost and assured that the university would provide support to those impacted. He instructed the affected students to work with the Student Union Government and the Dean of Student Affairs to ensure proper documentation and prompt assistance from the university.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated the university’s commitment to student safety and welfare and emphasized the need for greater oversight of off-campus accommodations.