The Ogun State Government on Tuesday said it had commenced a programme targeted at vaccinating no fewer than 400,000 eligible students in the state against Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known during a vaccination exercise at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) Ijebu-ode.
The programme, tagged: “Operation Campus Storm” is targeted at getting students and youths in the state vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.
According to Coker, statistics in the state revealed there was a huge vaccination gap among people of ages 18 to 25 years, hence the need to focus on them.
Coker, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Ogun Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, said that the aim of the exercise was to have 70 per cent coverage among students.
She added that it would also help ensure their safety and protection from the virus before, during and after teaching and learning periods.
“When we analysed our data, the statistics showed that the people of ages 18 to 25 have not been reached, so we have decided to focus on them in the next 15 days in our campuses.
“We have met with student leaders and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure the success of the exercise,” she said.
The commissioner said that the exercise which commenced on Jan. 24, would end on Feb. 7.
She added that it would be extended to people outside tertiary institutions including, youths in communities, artisans, transporters, among others.
She urged residents to come out and be vaccinated, adding that health workers had been adequately trained to administer vaccines at designated public and private facilities and other mobile posts in and outside campuses.
In his response, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, TASUED, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, noted that the pandemic had affected the flow of teaching, learning and the overall academic calendar.
He commended the present administration for the initiative of bringing vaccination sites closer to students, just as he advised them to make use of the opportunity to get vaccinated while on campus.
Also speaking, the President of the Students Union Government, TASUED, Mr. Rabiu Sodiq, appreciated the effort of the government for prioritising the health of the students.
He assured of the support of his colleagues with a promise to inform others in their various communities. (NAN)
