Katsina Education Commissioner Addresses Student Health Crisis

The Katsina State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, urged parents and residents to remain calm after 64 students from Government Science Secondary School, Batagarawa, were hospitalized due to adverse reactions to drugs administered during a Bilharzia prevention exercise. The students experienced symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and dizziness shortly after taking the medication and were rushed to Ahmadi Rimi General Hospital and Turai Yar’Adua Maternal and Child Hospital.

Some arrived unconscious but responded positively to treatment. Jibia confirmed that all students had recovered and arrangements were being made for their return to school.

The drug administration was conducted by primary healthcare authorities in collaboration with the Batagarawa Local Government Council. An investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the adverse reactions, with food provided for the students before their return.

The Medical Director of Ahmadi Rimi General Hospital, Dr Auwal Sani, confirmed the students' recovery.