The management of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA), has confirmed the deaths of six students following an outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis.
In a statement released on Saturday, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Ango, expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the institution. He conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased, noting that the Vice-Chancellor, B.G. Danshehu, was profoundly saddened by the tragic incident.
Ango stated that as soon as the outbreak was detected, the university took immediate steps to contain its spread. A specialized committee, led by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Balarabe Adamu Isah, was formed to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We promptly alerted the Kebbi State Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Higher Education,” he said. “A stakeholders’ meeting was convened, bringing together key health sector experts, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).”
The university implemented several critical measures to control the outbreak, including enhanced medical support, improved sanitation, preventive efforts, health awareness campaigns, and immunization drives in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and MSF.
Despite these efforts, six students lost their lives to the disease. “We deeply regret these losses, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” Ango added.
Reassuring parents, guardians, and the public, the university reaffirmed its commitment to student welfare and safety. The management encouraged those seeking further information to contact the University’s Public Relations Office for updates.
“We appreciate the continued support and cooperation of our university community and stakeholders as we work tirelessly to overcome this crisis,” Ango concluded.
