Nigeria TV Info – FCTA Moves to Ensure Full Vaccination of Children Against Measles, Rubella Despite Resistance from Private Schools

Abuja, Nigeria (October 27, 2025) – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child within the FCT receives vaccination against measles and rubella, amid reports that some private schools are refusing access to health officials for immunisation exercises.

The FCTA described the refusal by some schools to allow health teams to administer the vaccines as worrisome, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing efforts to curb preventable diseases among children.

The concern comes as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) disclosed that the Federal Government is targeting the vaccination of over 106 million children nationwide under the ongoing immunisation campaign against measles and rubella.

Speaking on the progress of the campaign within the capital city, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said vaccination teams have already covered several parts of the FCT.

Dr. Fasawe added that the administration will intensify advocacy visits to schools, religious centres, and traditional leaders to ensure no eligible child is left out of the exercise.

“Our goal is to make sure every child within the targeted age group is vaccinated. Immunisation is safe, effective, and essential for protecting our children,” Fasawe said.

She further revealed that the FCTA has introduced an innovation linking vaccination uptake with Health Insurance to improve participation and coverage.

Appealing to parents, Fasawe urged full cooperation with health officials conducting the exercise in schools and communities, noting that the Child Health Act makes immunisation both a right and a responsibility.

 “We want all parents to understand that vaccination is not optional — it is a crucial step in safeguarding the health of every child,” she emphasized.

The ongoing immunisation campaign against measles and rubella is part of Nigeria’s national strategy to eliminate the diseases and prevent outbreaks across all 36 states and the FCT.