The Jigawa State Government has raised concerns over an outbreak of acute viral conjunctivitis, popularly known as Apollo, as schools across the state prepare to resume.
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The state Ministry of Health has directed schools and health authorities to strengthen preventive measures and increase awareness among students, teachers and other members of the school community.
The directive followed reports of the eye infection in some communities, prompting health officials to call for immediate action to prevent further transmission.
The Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr Abubakar D. Said Kanya, issued the directive on behalf of the Commissioner for Health.
Schools have been advised to strengthen health education and sensitisation programmes so that students and staff understand how to reduce the risk of infection.
One of the key recommendations is frequent handwashing with soap and clean water.
Students and school personnel have also been advised to avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, particularly with unwashed hands.
The health authorities are also urging schools to support early detection and prompt treatment of suspected cases.
The timing of the warning is significant because schools provide an environment where students interact closely with one another, potentially allowing infectious conditions to spread quickly if preventive measures are ignored.
The ministry therefore wants schools and communities to remain vigilant as students return to classrooms.
The outbreak has also highlighted the importance of health education as part of school resumption preparations.
Beyond academic readiness, schools need to ensure that students understand basic hygiene practices that can protect them and their classmates.
Parents and guardians also have a role to play by monitoring children for unusual symptoms and seeking appropriate medical attention where necessary.
The state government’s warning is not intended to create panic but to encourage early action.
With schools reopening, health officials are seeking cooperation from school administrators, teachers, parents and students to prevent the infection from spreading further.
For Jigawa’s education sector, the immediate priority is to ensure that learning resumes in an environment where students can remain safe and healthy.
The message from the authorities is straightforward: vigilance, hygiene and early response can help schools manage the health challenge while keeping education on course.
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