Parents of students at Kings College, Lagos, are in distress following a diphtheria outbreak that has claimed the life of a 12-year-old student.
The incident has prompted some parents to keep their children at home as a precautionary measure.
In response to the situation, many parents are demanding an urgent meeting of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to assess the outbreak firsthand. The school’s PTA social media platforms have been flooded with calls for action, reflecting widespread concern among guardians.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has initiated a mass vaccination campaign for students across the school’s two campuses on Victoria Island and Lagos Island.
A concerned parent, identified as Nkechi, expressed doubts about the reassurances provided by the PTA leadership, emphasizing the need for an independent assessment of the situation.
“Last December, another student passed away, and there were suspicions that diphtheria might have been the cause. The issue has been longstanding, and while the current school management inherited these challenges, urgent action is needed. The junior secondary section is located at the Victoria Island annex, while the senior students are on Lagos Island,” she said.
She attributed the outbreak to poor sanitary conditions and overcrowded classrooms and hostels. “Even without medical expertise, one can see that the unsanitary conditions are a major issue. We’ve heard that 34 students exhibited symptoms, with 14 being severe cases. We hope authorities can control the situation swiftly,” she added.
Nkechi, a former PTA executive, called for stricter health protocols and improved facilities to reduce overcrowding, ensuring a safer environment for students.
