Suspected Diphtheria Outbreak at First Lady College, Mariri: Parents Raise Alarm Over Students’ Safety as Health Ministry Moves to Address Situation.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Newspaper.
November 11, 2026
Concerns have emerged over a suspected outbreak of diphtheria, popularly known as Mashako, or a bacterial infection at First Lady College, Mariri, in Kano State, following reports that several female students may have been affected by the illness.
An investigation by Democracy Newsline Newspaper revealed allegations of multiple cases of students experiencing symptoms suspected to be associated with the disease, raising serious concerns among parents and other stakeholders about the health and safety of students within the school.
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In an attempt to investigate the situation, the newspaper’s reporters visited the school but were reportedly prevented from gaining access to the premises by security personnel.
During the visit, however, the reporters encountered a concerned mother who was desperately trying to gain access to the school to remove her daughter, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, and take her to Zana Hospital in Kano for medical attention.
Speaking to Democracy Newsline Newspaper, the mother expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged failure of the school management, particularly the principal, to respond adequately to reports of students falling ill.
She alleged that several students had reportedly developed similar symptoms, but the school authorities had failed to take what she considered appropriate and timely measures to protect the affected students and prevent possible transmission.
The concerned mother further called for an urgent investigation into the school’s handling of the situation, insisting that the welfare and safety of students should be the priority of every educational institution.
The newspaper’s findings also raised questions about the school’s administrative oversight and the need for the Kano State Ministry of Education to investigate the allegations and ensure that appropriate health and safety standards are maintained.
Meanwhile, in a bid to obtain an official response, Democracy Newsline Newspaper contacted the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Abubakar Labaran, through WhatsApp.
In his response, the Commissioner confirmed that the Ministry of Health was already working to address the situation and take necessary steps towards resolving the matter.
His response indicates that the state health authorities are aware of the concerns and are taking steps to intervene.
Given the seriousness of diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, urgent medical assessment, laboratory confirmation, contact tracing and appropriate preventive measures are essential.
The Kano State Ministries of Health and Education are therefore urged to conduct a comprehensive investigation, Writing
Suspected Diphtheria Outbreak at First Lady College, Mariri: Parents Raise Alarm Over Students’ Safety as Health Ministry Moves to Address Situation
By Democracy Newsline Newspaper
Concerns have emerged over a suspected outbreak of diphtheria, popularly known as Mashako, or a bacterial infection at First Lady College, Mariri, in Kano State, following reports that several female students may have been affected by the illness.
An investigation by Democracy Newsline Newspaper revealed allegations of multiple cases of students experiencing symptoms suspected to be associated with the disease, raising serious concerns among parents and other stakeholders about the health and safety of students within the school.
In an attempt to investigate the situation, the newspaper’s reporters visited the school but were reportedly prevented from gaining access to the premises by security personnel.
During the visit, however, the reporters encountered a concerned mother who was desperately trying to gain access to the school to remove her daughter, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, and take her to Zana Hospital in Kano for medical attention.
Speaking to Democracy Newsline Newspaper, the mother expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged failure of the school management, particularly the principal, to respond adequately to reports of students falling ill.
She alleged that several students had reportedly developed similar symptoms, but the school authorities had failed to take what she considered appropriate and timely measures to protect the affected students and prevent possible transmission.
The concerned mother further called for an urgent investigation into the school’s handling of the situation, insisting that the welfare and safety of students should be the priority of every educational institution.
The newspaper’s findings also raised questions about the school’s administrative oversight and the need for the Kano State Ministry of Education to investigate the allegations and ensure that appropriate health and safety standards are maintained.
Meanwhile, in a bid to obtain an official response, Democracy Newsline Newspaper contacted the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Abubakar Labaran, through WhatsApp.
In his response, the Commissioner confirmed that the Ministry of Health was already working to address the situation and take necessary steps towards resolving the matter.
His response indicates that the state health authorities are aware of the concerns and are taking steps to intervene.
Given the seriousness of diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, urgent medical assessment, laboratory confirmation, contact tracing and appropriate preventive measures are essential.
The Kano State Ministries of Health and Education are therefore urged to conduct a comprehensive investigation, establish the actual number of affected students, provide immediate medical attention where necessary, and ensure that appropriate infection-prevention measures are implemented.
Parents and guardians also deserve timely and transparent information about the health situation in the school.
The safety of school children must never be compromised. Authorities must act promptly, investigate every allegation and ensure that no student is exposed to avoidable health risks.
Democracy Newsline Newspaper will continue to monitor developments and seek further clarification from the relevant authorities. necessary, and ensure that appropriate infection-prevention measures are implemented.
Parents and guardians also deserve timely and transparent information about the health situation in the school.
The safety of school children must never be compromised. Authorities must act promptly, investigate every allegation and ensure that no student is exposed to avoidable health risks.
Democracy Newsline Newspaper will continue to monitor developments and seek further clarification from the relevant authorities.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper November 11th, 2026
