Diphtheria Vaccination Urged in Schools After Outbreak

King’s College Outbreak Sparks Call for School Vaccinations

In response to a recent diphtheria outbreak at King’s College Annex in Victoria Island, Lagos, the Nigerian House of Representatives has called for an immediate nationwide vaccination campaign in schools. The outbreak resulted in 14 confirmed cases among students, tragically leading to the death of a 12-year-old pupil.

During a plenary session on March 12, 2025, lawmakers expressed concerns over the increasing number of diphtheria cases and the potential threat to schoolchildren. The House urged the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to intensify vaccination and awareness campaigns in schools nationwide.

Additionally, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen health and safety protocols in all federal unity colleges, with particular attention to King’s College. This includes conducting a comprehensive review of health infrastructure and establishing clear frameworks for managing infectious disease outbreaks in educational institutions.

The Lagos State Government has initiated an emergency vaccination exercise for students and staff at King’s College Annex to prevent further spread of the disease. Health officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), have visited the school to assess the situation and oversee the vaccination campaign.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection affecting the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. The disease is vaccine-preventable, highlighting the importance of immunization in controlling its spread.

The House’s resolution underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard students’ health and prevent future outbreaks in educational institutions across Nigeria.