A week after resumption for the third term, rainstorm at the weekend destroyed the hostels of the Federal Government College (FGC) in Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
It also affected other critical structures in the school.
Although no life was lost, LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered that the heavy downpour on Friday evening, accompanied by a strong windstorm, affected several buildings in the expansive school.
The worst affected were the perimeter fence bordering the girls’ hostel, Basic Science Laboratory, classroom blocks for JSS1, 2 and SS2, administrative buildings and the vice principals’ offices.
Other facilities destroyed by the rainstorm included the school e-Library where set of computers were damaged, solar panel water pump, water storage tanks at different locations in the college and the generator house where a tree collapsed on the roof and damaged the entire power house.
In a viral video in Uyo, female students were seen crying and running helplessly, seeking refuge.
According to an administrative officer who declined to be named, most of the affected students have been crammed into another hostel not seriously affected by the natural disaster.
Meanwhile, the incident has compelled the school management to postpone further resumptions for the boarding students who were expected to return on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, 2025, especially those in JSS1, 2; SS1 and 2 classes so that the facilities could be fixed by the federal government before the students return.
Consequently, the chairman of the Parents/Teachers’ Association (PTA), Dr J.J Etim, has appealed to parents to hold back their children and wards yet to return to the college “till further notice.”