The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to launch an immediate nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools following a deadly outbreak at King’s College, Lagos.
The resolution was reached after a motion of urgent public importance, moved by House spokesman Akin Rotimi, was adopted during plenary on Wednesday.
“The House is deeply concerned that this incident exposes significant lapses in infection prevention and control measures in federal unity colleges,” Rotimi stated.
He cited alarming figures from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s (NCDC) Weekly Diphtheria Situation Report of January 26, 2025, which confirmed 24,804 cases across 25 states since 2022, with 1,269 deaths in 18 states.
Rotimi commended the Lagos State Government for its swift response, which included isolating affected students, activating an Emergency Operations Committee, and launching a mass vaccination drive.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the NCDC to intensify vaccination and public awareness efforts in schools.
The 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.
Additionally, the House urged the Federal Government to compensate the family of the deceased student, acknowledging the tragic loss and its duty of care to students in federal institutions.