Low vaccine coverage contributing to learning challenges, FG warns

The Federal Government on Wednesday warned that persistent gaps in immunisation coverage are contributing significantly to poor learning outcomes among school-aged children across the country.

…Launches child health campaign

Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, stated this while unveiling a renewed national child health initiative at Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, Maitama, Abuja, under the “Kids Dialogue Series Episode 1,” with the theme “Empowering Youth Voices to Shape Health, Learning and Well-being in Nigeria.”

The minister said Nigeria’s education system cannot deliver optimal results if preventable diseases continue to undermine the health of children.

He said evidence from schools and health institutions shows a strong link between vaccine-preventable diseases and reduced school attendance, learning difficulties, and long-term developmental challenges.

Alausa urged the students them to take responsibility for knowing their vaccination status and prioritising preventive healthcare.

“If you don’t have health, you don’t have a life. You are the future of this nation and we have to start right by keeping you healthy. The most important person in keeping you healthy is you,” he said.

He added that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is prioritising human capital development through integrated reforms in education and healthcare aimed at improving both learning outcomes and productivity.

According to him, healthy children are more likely to remain in school, perform better academically, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Our children are the future leaders of this country. They must be healthy, educated and globally competitive,” he said.

The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen routine immunisation programmes targeting diseases such as measles, polio, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), noting that modern vaccines now provide protection against certain cancers.

“We now have vaccines that can prevent cancer. The HPV vaccine is one of them,” he added.

Health officials at the event said improving vaccine uptake remains critical to reducing preventable child mortality and closing performance gaps in the education sector.

Muyi Aina, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, urged students to take ownership of their health by tracking their vaccination status and adopting healthy lifestyles.

He described young people as key drivers of community health awareness, encouraging them to act as “health champions” among their peers.

“My responsibility includes ensuring primary healthcare services for all of you, including immunisation,” he said during an interactive session with students.

Aina engaged participants in discussions around the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer, asking how many students had received it and encouraging greater awareness.

He explained that primary healthcare remains the foundation of Nigeria’s health system, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the education and health sectors to improve outcomes.

The NPHCDA boss also said the “Kids Dialogue Series” is designed to empower students to participate in shaping health policy conversations while promoting behavioural change at an early age.