Sokoto State records 33 meningitis deaths, 256 suspected cases
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Sokoto State has confirmed 33 deaths among 256 suspected cases in a recent cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak across eight local government areas. Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar, stated that most fatalities occurred before victims reached health facilities, attributing this to delayed treatment and misconceptions about the illness. Sabon Birni reported the highest number of cases with 63, followed by Wamakko with 60. In response, the state government, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières, established isolation centers at General Hospitals in Dogo Daji and Tambuwal. While 20 laboratory samples have tested positive, early treatment has shown positive outcomes, with no recent deaths recorded at the isolation centers since intensified interventions began. However, a nurse at the Dogo Daji center noted that new cases continue to emerge, with 22 patients currently admitted. Treatment, including medication, meals, and transportation, is provided free of charge. Despite these efforts, the Dogo Daji facility recently recorded two deaths, including a young boy and another patient who died during transfer. The Chief Medical Director of Specialists Hospital, Sokoto, Dr. Attahiru Sokoto, confirmed that their isolation center successfully treated and discharged meningitis patients from Badon Barade community two weeks prior. Authorities are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms and to disregard false beliefs about the disease.
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The Nigerian Air Force NAF has graduated 111 personnel from Special Forces Course 13/2026 at the Regiment Training Centre Annex, Bauchi. This initiative aims to enhance the NAF's operational capacity and strengthen national security. The NAF stated that this marks a significant step in building a highly skilled, combat-ready force capable of addressing Nigeria's evolving security challenges. The intensive program equipped personnel with specialist knowledge, tactical skills, and resilience for complex Special Forces operations supporting air and joint military missions. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, represented by the Chief of Training, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Dari, congratulated the graduates and urged them to maintain professionalism and discipline. The ceremony included tactical demonstrations such as obstacle crossing drills, commando self-defense techniques, and air assault operations. The NAF emphasized that this graduation highlights its ongoing investment in human capacity development and operational excellence to bolster its ability to deliver air power for national security objectives.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB has announced the discontinuation of admissions into affiliated degree programs offered by Colleges of Education, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session. This decision establishes the Nigeria Certificate in Education NCE as the exclusive entry route into these institutions. The new policy, detailed in JAMB's NCE/ND Agric Registration Guidelines, also eliminates direct admission into 100 and 200 levels in Colleges of Education, requiring all new entrants to go through the NCE program. This reform impacts thousands of candidates who applied for degree programs through affiliated Colleges of Education for the 2026 admission cycle. JAMB has provided options for affected candidates, including applying for a change of institution at no cost, transferring to the parent university, or allowing their second-choice institution to become their first choice. Candidates seeking 100-level admission through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination UTME for affiliated Colleges of Education can also change institutions, elevate their second-choice, or migrate to the NCE program. Those opting for the NCE route will need an O'Level verification code and pay a ₦700 registration fee. JAMB also introduced mandatory O'Level verification for all NCE applicants, with fees of ₦1,500 for one sitting and ₦2,000 for two sittings. The Board urged all relevant centers and officials to comply with the new guidelines.
Must ReadThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP has urged the National Assembly leadership to recover N110 billion allegedly spent unlawfully on lawmakers' vehicles and support allowances. This call follows a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos, delivered by Justice Yellim Bogoro, which found that the expenditure of N40 billion for 465 vehicles and N70 billion in support allowances for newly elected members violated procurement laws, constitutional obligations, and public trust. In a letter dated June 20, 2026, SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that the judgment necessitates consequences and full restitution for the unlawful expenditure. SERAP also called for the establishment of mechanisms to ensure future procurements comply with due process, transparency, accountability, and value for money. The organization further recommended public hearings on the National Assembly's budget and proactive publication of detailed budgetary information to enhance transparency and public participation. SERAP argued that allowing lawmakers to retain benefits from unlawful expenditure undermines public trust and constitutional principles, stating that restitution is crucial for upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability. While the judgment did not explicitly order a refund, SERAP believes it provides sufficient legal grounds for recovery and has threatened further legal action if its recommendations are not implemented within seven days.