The management of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA), has confirmed the death 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 over the tragic incident on behalf of the institution. He conveyed the Vice-Chancellor, B. G. Danshehu’s, profound grief and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“Upon detecting the initial signs of the outbreak, KSUSTA took immediate and decisive action to mitigate the spread of the disease,” Ango stated.
To address the crisis, he explained, the university set up a specialised committee led by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Balarabe Adamu Isah, to conduct a thorough investigation.
“We promptly reported the outbreak to the Kebbi State Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Higher Education. A stakeholders’ meeting was convened, bringing together key health sector experts, including representatives from the World Health Organisation, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Médecins Sans Frontières, and other medical professionals,” he said.
He further noted that critical measures had been implemented to contain the situation, including enhanced medical support, intensified sanitation efforts, increased health awareness, and immunisation campaigns in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and MSF.
“We deeply regret these losses, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” Ango added.
The university reassured parents, guardians, and the public of its unwavering commitment to student welfare and urged anyone seeking further information to contact the Public Relations Office.
“We appreciate the continued support and cooperation of our university community and stakeholders as we work tirelessly to overcome this crisis,” Ango concluded.
