By Oguine Daniel
In the wake of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, an event organized by the Civil Society Coalitions on Education Policy and Child Rights in collaboration with LoveWorld Incorporated brought together leaders from various sectors to speak out against the government’s initiative to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in schools.
The vaccine, recommended for children aged 9 and above, is intended to provide immunity against HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer and genital warts.
However, concerns about the vaccine’s necessity and safety dominated the discussions which centred around Advocacy Response to planned vaccination in Lagos State basic and secondary schools
Among the notable speakers were Dr. Segun Adebayo, Barrister B.C. Akintayo Joshua, MLS Dewa Joshua, Professor Qrisstuberg Amua, and Ambassador Chris Ayama.
At the event held at Water Falls Event Center, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja, stakeholders voiced their opposition to the government’s plan, raising questions about the broader implications of administering the HPV vaccine to young children in educational settings.
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Dr. Dewa Joshua, a biochemical scientist specializing in vaccines, argued that viruses are not naturally occurring and are human-made organisms, with vaccines serving as a response to these manufactured threats.
She pointed to the rising rates of autism in children, noting that many affected children had been vaccinated at some point, though the link between vaccines and autism remains highly controversial and unproven in scientific circles.
Dr. Joshua also emphasized that HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, making it inappropriate to target children as young as 9 for vaccination. She questioned why schools, rather than hospitals, are the focus for vaccine distribution and suggested that the government’s motives may be influenced by hidden agendas.
Adding a lighter tone to the serious debate, Barrister B.C. Akintayo Joshua questioned the appropriateness of administering vaccines in schools, stating, “The motto of my son’s school is ‘for learning and education,’ not ‘for learning, education, and medication.’”
He expressed concern that school administrators, particularly in government-run institutions, might feel compelled to enforce the vaccination directive, fearing repercussions from the authorities.
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The event featured documentaries showcasing the experiences of young children who reportedly developed health complications, such as autism and other illnesses, after receiving vaccines.
This sparked further debate among attendees, with many educational professionals and elites present, either physically or via video projection, voicing their concerns over the government’s approach.
Ambassador Chris Ayama and Dr. Segun Adebayo closed the event by assuring Nigerians that they should not fear rejecting the vaccine. They pledged legal support to those who might face adverse consequences for refusing the HPV vaccination for their children, vowing to defend them in court if necessary.
The event has sparked a broader conversation in Nigeria about the role of schools in public health initiatives and the need for parents to make informed decisions regarding their children’s healthcare.