Meningitis Outbreak: Yobe Education Ministry temporarily relocates to Potiskum (Pictures)
Story from Kasim Isa MUHAMMAD, Damaturu
In response to the suspected meningitis outbreak in some boarding public schools within Potiskum local government area of Yobe State, the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education has taken proactive measures by temporarily relocating the ministry to Potiskum.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idriss, announced the temporary relocation, saying it is to investigate cause of the outbreak.
Dr. Idriss emphasised the importance of ensuring the well-being of all students and finding effective remedies for those affected by the disease during his visit to Government Girls Science Technical College in Potiskum, where numerous students were affected.
He stated, “I was so shocked when I received the news of a suspected meningitis outbreak in some of our public schools. However, we have temporarily relocated to Potiskum until all the students are in good health. Ensuring their well-being is our responsibility, so we will not relent in providing all the necessary support.”
He added that he visited all the schools’ hostels to assess the conducive learning environment and implement remedial measures to address the situation.
Likewise, he disclosed that several students have been admitted to Potiskum Specialist Hospital and are showing positive responses to their treatments.
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On his part, Alhaji Dauda Atiyaye, the Executive Secretary of the State Science Technical Board, stated that all necessary measures have been taken to mitigate the ongoing outbreak among students.
He stressed the establishment of temporary isolation centers in schools to provide students with first aid treatment.
According to Bukar Anguwa, the chief nursing officer at Potiskum Specialist Hospital, the meningitis outbreak has been particularly affecting residents under the age of 18 in Potiskum.
Anguwa revealed that the admitted students are currently recuperating and responding well to the treatment.
Meanwhile, Neptune Prime gathered that the commissioner and ministry members visited additional public schools within the LGA to meet with teachers regarding the outbreak and assess student overcrowding in classrooms.
It was reported that the outbreak has affected approximately three public schools in Potiskum, including Government Science Technical College, Government Girls Science Technical College, and Federal Government Girls College, resulting in one fatality.
