The management of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA), has confirmed the tragic 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 the institution’s profound sorrow over the loss.
Ango conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased students on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, B.G. Danshehu, who was described as deeply saddened by the incident. He stated that the university took swift and decisive action upon detecting the initial signs of the outbreak, aiming to prevent further spread.
A specialized committee, led by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Balarabe Adamu Isah, was formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the situation. Additionally, the university promptly reported the outbreak to both the Kebbi State Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Higher Education. A stakeholders’ meeting was held, gathering health experts, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and other medical professionals, to address the crisis.
The university has implemented several critical measures to control the spread of the disease, including enhanced medical support, sanitation efforts, and public health awareness campaigns. They have also initiated immunization programs in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, and MSF. Despite these efforts, six students unfortunately succumbed to the disease.
“We deeply regret these losses, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” said Ango.
The university management assured the public, parents, and guardians of its continued commitment to safeguarding the health and welfare of its students. They encouraged anyone seeking further information to contact the 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.
