Reps calls fo Diphtheria vaccination after student’s death at King’s College

The House of Representatives has sounded the alarm on the growing diphtheria outbreak in Nigeria and urged the Federal Government to launch an immediate, nationwide vaccination campaign in schools.

Thi followed the tragic death of a 12-year-old student from King’s College, Lagos.

The call came during a plenary session on Wednesday, after the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, moved a motion of urgent public importance. Titled “The Outbreak of Diphtheria in King’s College, Lagos, the motion highlighted the dire need for swift and decisive government action.

Rotimi painted a grim picture of the situation, citing the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s (NCDC) Weekly Diphtheria Situation Report from January 26, 2025.

According to the report, since 2022, Nigeria has recorded 24,804 confirmed cases of diphtheria across 25 states, with 1,269 deaths reported in 18 states.

“This incident exposes significant lapses in infection prevention and control measures in our federal unity colleges,” Rotimi said, his voice heavy with concern. He stressed the urgent need for the Federal Ministry of Education to prioritize the safety and well-being of students in its institutions.

READ ALSO: Nigeria confirms diphtheria killed 1,191 in 17 months

The recent outbreak at King’s College has sent shockwaves through the country, after one student’s death and the hospitalization of several others. In response, the Lagos State Government acted swiftly: isolating affected students, activating an Emergency Operations Committee, and rolling out a mass vaccination drive to curb the spread.

Rotimi commended these efforts, also recognizing the work of the NCDC and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in combating the disease.

But the House believes more must be done and fast. Following the motion’s adoption, lawmakers directed the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, and NCDC to intensify vaccination and public awareness campaigns in schools nationwide.

The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently review health infrastructure in federal unity colleges and establish a clear response framework for infectious disease outbreaks.

In a compassionate move, the House urged the Federal Government to provide compensation to the family of the deceased student, acknowledging their tragic loss and the duty of care owed to students in government institutions.

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