In some boarding public schools in Yobe State, like Government Science Technical College and Government Girls Science Technical College in Potiskum, there’s been a serious problem.
Many students, about 20, have died because of a sickness called meningitis. This sickness has also affected students in Federal Government Girls College in Potiskum.
But there’s some good news too: some of the students who got sick are getting better in the hospital in Potiskum.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, said that the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has asked the Ministry of Education to move temporarily to Potiskum to deal with this problem.
The Commissioner said that this sickness is very serious, but they are trying their best to stop it from spreading to other areas.
He explained that they’ve set up ambulances in the schools for emergencies. They also have teachers checking on students who are not sick every three hours.
They want to make sure that they catch any new sickness early. Sadly, 17 students from Yobe state government schools and one from Federal Government Girls College have already died.
The Commissioner also mentioned that they’ve heard about cases in other areas like Fika and Fune.
In total, there have been 20 deaths in both primary and secondary schools in Yobe State. Governor Mai Mala Buni has asked the Ministry of Health to send doctors and medicines to help. They are hoping that with these efforts, things will improve soon.
Because the students’ health is very important, the Commissioner and his team have moved to Potiskum temporarily.
They’ve set up special places for students who are sick so they can get better. They’re working hard to make sure all the students are safe and healthy again.
‘‘We have temporarily relocated to Potiskum until all the students are in good health. We established temporary isolation centres. Ensuring their well-being is our responsibility. So we will not relent in providing all the necessary support.”
