A major outbreak of meningitis has led to the deaths of six students at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero (KSUSTA), according to a statement released on Saturday by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Ango.
On behalf of the university’s management, Ango expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, noting that Vice-Chancellor B.G. Danshehu was profoundly saddened by the tragic event.
He stated that the university swiftly implemented several measures to contain the outbreak.
“Upon detecting the initial signs of the outbreak, KSUSTA took immediate and decisive action to mitigate the spread of the disease.
“A specialised committee, led by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Balarabe Adamu Isah, was formed 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.
“Despite the best efforts of the university and health authorities, six students have succumbed to the disease.
“We deeply regret these losses, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” the statement read.
Ango further advised students seeking information to reach out to 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,” he added.