At least six students of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, have died following an outbreak of a strange disease, with many others hospitalized.
Students revealed that four deaths occurred last week, followed by another on Sunday. Many affected students experienced unconsciousness and severe neck pain. Some accused the school of ignoring early warnings, while others reported a rising death toll beyond the university.
A student disclosed that vaccines arrived recently, but the outbreak is not limited to students. He claimed, “More than ten people have been dying daily for two weeks.”
The university management has yet to formally address students. “The Students’ Union Government (SUG) has done nothing except send condolence messages,” a student lamented.
A 400-level student called for school closure until a solution is found, citing poor healthcare conditions. Patients at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Birnin Kebbi and the Teaching Hospital in Kalgo receive treatment in reception areas due to bed shortages. Power outages hinder medical tests at FMC.
“Our SUG is just a figurehead. If possible, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) should intervene,” another student stated.
A student, Abdulraheem Abdul Ganiy, reportedly died at FMC Birnin Kebbi due to a lack of available beds.
In a Monday statement, university PRO Mustapha Mansur Ango advised students to take precautions:
“Sleep in well-ventilated areas, keep surroundings clean, wash hands regularly, and visit the university clinic if experiencing headaches, catarrh, or neck stiffness.”
Meanwhile, SUG expressed condolences over the death of Olasoji Samuel Timileyi, a 400-level Architecture student, transported to FMC without university or SUG consent. The union emphasized the tragedy of losing a promising student and extended its deepest sympathies.
