An outbreak of a strange disease at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, have reportedly left at least six students dead, with several others currently hospitalised.
Some students of the university, who spoke on the condition of anonymity since the institution has not made an official statement, revealed that four students mysteriously died last week, while another passed away on Sunday after falling sick overnight.
The students expressed frustration over what they described as the authorities’ inaction.
“The situation is getting worse, yet the school management has not taken any decisive action to protect us,” a student said.
“We informed the school management about the outbreak earlier, but they showed no concern. Students became unconscious within a short period, and some complained of severe neck pain. We don’t know the exact number of affected students, but we have recorded more than six deaths,” the student added.
Another student disclosed that vaccines arrived on campus just the previous day, and students had begun receiving them.
However, he noted that the outbreak was not limited to students alone.
“A local friend told me that more than 10 people have been dying daily in the past two weeks,” the student claimed.
According to SaharaReporters, yet another student said that despite the alarming situation, the school has yet to formally address students.
“The Students’ Union Government (SUG) has also remained silent, apart from sending condolence messages for the deceased,” he said.
A 400-level student lamented the worsening situation, saying, “We are not safe here anymore. I have lost two of my classmates to this outbreak. We want the school to be closed until a solution is found. Moreover, the healthcare system in this state is in terrible condition.”
He explained that patients at both the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Birnin Kebbi and the Teaching Hospital in Kalgo, Kebbi, are being attended to in the hospital reception due to a lack of bed space.
There are also complaints of a lack of electricity to run medical tests at the federal medical centre.
“Our SUG is just a figurehead; they are not doing anything. If possible, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) should intervene on our behalf.”
He said that a student identified as Abdulraheem Abdul Ganiy was reportedly attended to at the reception of FMC Birnin Kebbi before he passed away Tuesday night due to the unavailability of hospital beds.
Meanwhile, in a statement released on Wednesday, the university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mustapha Mansur Ango, advised students to take precautionary measures.
The statement read, “To the entire University staff and students, prevention is better than cure. Sleep in well-ventilated areas, keep your surroundings clean, wash your hands regularly, and maintain good hygiene.
“Sleep in well-ventilated areas.If you experience headache, catarrh or neck stiffness, visit the university clinic immediately.”
However, the university management has yet to provide further details on the outbreak or measures being taken to address the situation.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, expressed condolences over the passing of Olasoji Samuel Timileyin, a 400-level student in the Department of Architecture.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Union President, Comrade Abdulrahman Ibrahim, the SUG revealed that the deceased was transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi for treatment without the necessary consent or prior awareness of the university’s relevant staff or the Students’ Union Government.
“We wish to formally notify the esteemed Student body of the Kebbi State University of the tragic passing of Olasoji Samuel Timileyin, a dedicated 400-level student in the Department of Architecture. Samuel, who resided off-campus in Aliero, experienced a serious illness that necessitated medical attention. His relatives took the step to transport him to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi for treatment; however, this was done without the necessary and prior consent and awareness of the university’s relevant staff neither the Students’ Union Government.
“In the wake of this heart-wrenching loss, the Students’ Union Government feels the weight of grief deeply and extends its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Olasoji Samuel Timileyin. President Imamu has conveyed the sentiments of the entire student body, emphasising the profound tragedy that accompanies the loss of a young person with much potential ahead of him.
