Since the collapse of the DMGS Centenary building on June 12, 2024, investigations have been ongoing by various statutory bodies.
To this end, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has set up an investigation panel to unravel the cause and the COREN has full cooperation of the Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Centenary with this professional panel to seek genuine technical reasons for the unfortunate collapse of the building and the regrettable loss of a life.
In order to provide necessary assurances to the general public, the authorities of the DMGS Centenary wish to state the following indisputable facts concerning the DMGS Centenary building:
1. That all proper administrative and technical processes were scrupulously adhered to.
2. That the building plans approval was sought and obtained from the approving authority, the Anambra State Physical Planning Board who also carried out periodic inspections during its construction.
3. That the architectural design of the building was by a qualified and experienced architect of good standing and registered with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria.
4. That the structural design of the building was by one of the foremost structural engineers in Nigeria. He is registered with COREN with extensive and unimpeachable academic and professional credentials.
5. That the construction supervision was by an experienced structural engineer with over 30 years of experience.
6. That the technical foreman is a qualified engineer with relevant experience currently completing his MEng degree.
7. That the materials used in the construction underwent a rigorous quality assurance process including testing by the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, Awka.
We are aware that the identification of the cause for the collapse of a building is a complex and painstaking evidence-based exercise that will take time.
It is, therefore, with incredulity that we receive various press reports containing hasty, false, malicious, and completely unsubstantiated purported conclusions as to the cause.
Our priority remains the safety of everyone, so we share the public’s desire to know the truth and to prevent future accidents. We, therefore, urge the public:
1. To remain sceptical of these claims;
2. To be patient and rely on factual updates;
3. To trust that the engineers and scientists will be diligent in their investigation and ultimately come up with verifiable and scientifically sound conclusions;
4. To avoid speculations on social media.
Media Contact:
Dr Chijioke Ojji
Title: Director of Operations, DMGS Centenary
Email: dmgscentenary@gmail.com
Telephone (Whatsapp messages only): +234 913 135 5405
