Lagos, Nigeria – The Principal of Kings College Lagos, Mogaji Zakaria, has confirmed that the school has implemented strict measures to curb the spread and contraction of diphtheria following a recent outbreak that claimed the life of a Junior Secondary School student. The outbreak also led to the hospitalization of several other students, prompting swift intervention by the Lagos State Government.
Speaking on Tuesday during a diphtheria vaccination exercise at the college’s annex on Lagos Island, Mr. Zakaria outlined the school’s prevention strategies. The vaccination initiative was conducted in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board through the Eti-Osa Local Government.
Prevention Efforts in the College
Mr. Zakaria emphasized that comprehensive hygiene protocols have been put in place to protect students and staff from further infections. Sanitisers and handwashing stations with running water and soap have been strategically placed across the school premises to encourage regular hand hygiene.
“There have been improved efforts toward sanitation and cleanliness within the college premises,” he said. “Presently, wearing of nose mask has been made compulsory for everyone within the college, as all students, including the teachers and the management staff, now wear it as part of the measures to prevent contraction of the diphtheria infection.”
He expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for its prompt intervention, which included the immediate transfer of affected students to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for medical attention. According to him, the condition of the hospitalized students has since stabilized.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, recently confirmed 14 cases of diphtheria at the Kings College Annex, Victoria Island, with one fatality. He further disclosed that 12 of the infected students are responding positively to antibiotics and diphtheria antitoxin therapy.
“We have provided diphtheria-tetanus vaccines and are ensuring that all students and staff members get vaccinated. This includes teachers, cooks, cleaners, and other personnel,” Mr. Abayomi said.
Situation Under Control
Mr. Zakaria reassured the public that the situation has been brought under control with the collaborative efforts of the state government and medical experts. He highlighted the crucial role played by Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, in facilitating rapid medical responses.
“When we called him, he quickly put calls through, and within 20 minutes, we were directed to take the affected students to LUTH, where they received prompt treatment,” he explained. “We are happy for the interventions and we can now rest, knowing that our students are in safe hands.”
Student Perspective
Elijah Wisdom, the Head Boy of the Junior arm of the college, echoed the principal’s sentiments, acknowledging the enhanced sanitation measures within the school. He called on the school management to maintain the newly implemented hygiene practices moving forward.
“Let the school management intensify efforts to sustain the preventive measures that have been put in place,” Wisdom said. “I pray that the wash-hand stations, power supply, regular water supply, and the overall cleanliness that are currently being provided come to stay.”
The Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff at Kings College, as vaccination and monitoring efforts continue to prevent further spread of the disease.