Diphtheria: Reps urge FG to implement safety protocols in schools
The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Ministry of Education to enhance health and safety measures across all federal unity colleges following a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, Lagos. The outbreak resulted in the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of several others. During the plenary session, Rep. […]
house of reps
The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Ministry of Education to enhance health and safety measures across all federal unity colleges following a diphtheria outbreak at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, Lagos.
The outbreak resulted in the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of several others.
During the plenary session, Rep. Akin Rotimi moved a motion highlighting the broader diphtheria crisis in the country, referencing data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
According to him, the latest NCDC report indicates that Nigeria recorded 24,804 confirmed diphtheria cases across 25 states between 2022 and early 2025.
The House adopted the motion and called on the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA and NCDC to intensify diphtheria vaccination and awareness campaigns nationwide.
The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Education to conduct an urgent review of health infrastructure in unity colleges and establish a clear framework for responding to infectious disease outbreaks.
Meanwhile, six individuals diagnosed with diphtheria have been admitted to Rigasa General Hospital in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State.
Dr Austin Otoghile, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, assured that the situation was under control.
“We currently have six patients on admission, with only one on oxygen. This is the highest number of diphtheria patients we have had at once,” he said.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, confirmed the situation, but assured that the Rapid Response Team was actively managing the crisis.