Borno State Government Directs Schools to Activate Cholera Prevention Protocols
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has ordered the immediate activation of epidemic prevention and control measures in all public schools across the state following a confirmed cholera outbreak in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area. The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, in a statement on Monday.
Wakilbe described the outbreak as a high-priority public health emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action from all educational institutions. He emphasized that cholera spreads rapidly through contaminated food and water, particularly in crowded environments such as schools, and stressed the need for heightened vigilance to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel.
Immediate Activation of Epidemic Prevention Plans
“Following the confirmed cholera alert in Maiduguri and surrounding communities, all schools must immediately activate their Epidemic Prevention and Control Plans in line with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our utmost priority,” Wakilbe stated.
The Commissioner directed schools to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices by ensuring regular handwashing with soap and clean water, providing multiple handwashing stations, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and prohibiting unpackaged water and food from unapproved vendors within school premises.
Enhanced Sanitation and Food Safety Measures
Schools were also instructed to enforce strict food safety standards, conduct daily environmental sanitation exercises, and ensure proper waste disposal and drainage maintenance to prevent contamination. These measures are designed to reduce the risk of cholera transmission in school environments.
Surveillance and Reporting of Suspected Cases
Wakilbe further ordered schools to intensify surveillance and promptly report any suspected cholera cases to health authorities. “All school administrators, principals and head teachers are required to ensure that any student or staff member showing symptoms such as severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, or rapid dehydration is immediately isolated and referred for medical attention. Suspected cases must be reported within two hours to the nearest Primary Health Care Centre, the Local Government Disease Surveillance Officer, and the Ministry,” he said.
Emergency Sensitization Campaigns
As part of preventive efforts, schools have also been directed to organize emergency sensitization campaigns, including assemblies and classroom discussions, to educate students on cholera prevention and personal hygiene practices. These campaigns aim to raise awareness and promote behavioral change among students and staff.
Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
The Commissioner warned that compliance with the directive would be closely monitored through routine and unscheduled inspections across schools in the state. “This is not a routine directive. Compliance is mandatory and will be monitored through unannounced inspection visits. Any act of negligence or failure to implement these measures will be treated seriously. We must work together to protect our children and prevent the spread of cholera in our schools and communities,” he added.
Wakilbe called on all stakeholders in the education sector to fully cooperate with health authorities and school management in implementing the preventive measures aimed at safeguarding public health.
