The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned private schools in the nation’s capital to allow immunization workers access for vaccination of children or face enforcement, including seal off of premises.
This is as the FCT Administration has disclosed that it is targeting not less than 2.6 million children across the Territory, adding that denial of access to the targeted population of 0 to six children will hinder intended goal.
Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCTA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe on Thursday, October 23, 20251, gave the warning during a press briefing in Abuja to sensitise the public on the importance and necessity of children’s vaccination.
She particularly warned private schools, saying they risk sanctions under existing public health and education regulations.
Fasawe, however, explained that the FCT Administration would, during the sensitisation drive, exhaust all available channels to get compliance, warning that if such fails, the FCTA would resort to enforcement.
According to her, the possible enforcement is in accordance with provisions of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003, which mandates full immunization as a legal obligation for every child.
She said: “Denying a child access to vaccination is not merely an administrative lapse, it is a violation of a fundamental child right.
“Sections 13 and 14 of the CRA place a clear responsibility on parents, guardians, and institutions to ensure no child is left unprotected from preventable diseases.”
The Secretary stated that the decision follows reports that several schools refused access to vaccination teams during the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) campaign, disrupting field activities and denying many eligible pupils vital protection.
She commended the progress made in the exercise, which has successfully covered most of the target population through the combined efforts of the FCTA, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners.
Fasawe noted that the FCT introduced an innovative approach to drive uptake by linking immunisation to health insurance enrollment.
The FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), she said, also supported over 600 vaccination teams across the six area councils with reflective jackets and logistical backing.
However, to address the issue of non-compliance, she said the secretariat has compiled a list of erring schools and initiated targeted advocacy and sensitization efforts.
Adding that letters have been issued to affected institutions, while a three-day mop-up campaign involving 132 vaccination teams will be conducted to reach unvaccinated children.
She disclosed that the Administration has approved new directives requiring, mandatory immunisation verification for admission, re-admission, and transfer of pupils, maintenance of Child Health Registers in all schools, collaboration with nearby Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for on-site vaccination sessions, Regular immunisation awareness at assemblies and PTA meetings, and Monthly compliance reports to be submitted through the Education Secretariat to the Health Secretariat.
