On March 12, 2025, the Nigerian House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to initiate an urgent nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools. This decision came in response to a recent outbreak at King's College, Lagos, where a 12-year-old student tragically lost his life, and several others were hospitalized due to the bacterial infection.
The motion, presented by House spokesman Akin Rotimi, highlighted the alarming rise in diphtheria cases across the country. Citing data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Rotimi noted that since 2022, there have been 24,804 confirmed cases across 25 states, resulting in 1,269 deaths in 18 states. He expressed deep concern over the apparent lapses in infection prevention and control measures within federal unity colleges, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols to protect students.
The House commended the swift actions taken by the Lagos State Government, which included isolating affected students, activating an Emergency Operations Committee, and launching a mass vaccination drive to contain the outbreak. Additionally, the efforts of the NCDC and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in combating the disease were acknowledged.
In its resolution, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, and NCDC to intensify vaccination efforts and public awareness campaigns in schools nationwide. The Federal Ministry of Education was also tasked with urgently reviewing health infrastructure in unity colleges and establishing a clear response framework for infectious disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the House mandated its Committees on Health and Basic Education to collaborate with relevant agencies to strengthen infection prevention and emergency response strategies in federal schools. In a gesture of support, the House urged the Federal Government to provide compensation to the family of the deceased student, acknowledging the tragic loss and underscoring the duty of care owed to students in federal institutions.
This proactive stance by the House of Representatives aims to curb the spread of diphtheria and safeguard the health of students across Nigeria, ensuring that educational institutions remain safe environments for learning and development.