A yet-to-be-identified illness has reportedly led to the deaths of at least five students at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, sparking concerns and calls for the institution’s temporary closure.
According to The PUNCH, students, revealed that the fatalities began last week, with four students passing away under unclear circumstances.
“Another student fell ill overnight and died this morning,” a source said on Sunday.
While officials from the World Health Organization recently visited the university for a meningitis awareness campaign, they have not confirmed whether the deaths are linked to the disease.
The university’s registrar, Maimaru Alhaji Tilli, acknowledged the deaths but stated that the exact cause remains unknown.
“Yes, according to our records, four students have died. However, we do not yet know the cause,” he said.
Tilli also emphasized the urgent need to decongest student accommodations and disclosed that the university had reached out to the Ministry of Higher Education for guidance.
“In our letter to the Commissioner of Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar Tunga, we requested permission to temporarily close the university, but we have not yet received a response,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Union Government has also written to the school administration, urging an immediate shutdown to prevent further casualties.
