The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to immediately roll out a nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools to stem the spread of the deadly bacterial infection.
The resolution was reached during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion of urgent public importance moved by House spokesman, Akin Rotimi.
The motion, titled The Outbreak of Diphtheria in King’s College, Lagos, was prompted by the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of several others due to the disease.
Rotimi, while addressing the House, raised concerns over the alarming spread of diphtheria across the country, referencing data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
According to the NCDC’s Weekly Diphtheria Situation Report of January 26, 2025, Nigeria has recorded 24,804 confirmed cases across 25 states since 2022, with 1,269 deaths in 18 states.
“The House is deeply worried that this outbreak exposes serious lapses in infection prevention and control in federal unity colleges,” Rotimi stated.
He commended the Lagos State Government for its swift response, which included isolating affected students, activating an Emergency Operations Committee, and launching a mass vaccination campaign.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Health, the NCDC, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to intensify vaccination and public awareness campaigns in schools.
Lawmakers also mandated the Federal Ministry of Education to conduct an urgent review of health infrastructure in unity colleges and establish a clear response framework for infectious disease outbreaks.
Furthermore, the House urged the Federal Government to compensate the family of the deceased student, acknowledging the tragic loss and reaffirming the government’s duty of care to students in federal institutions.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
