A Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an order restraining the Lagos State Government from vaccinating school children without the written consent of their parents or guardians. The ruling came after an application filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Equity International and Initiative, seeking to stop the state from administering vaccines to children in schools.
Presided over by Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa, the court ruled that the Lagos State Government, along with its agents and officials, must halt any planned vaccination of children in schools until the Motion on Notice is determined. The respondents in the case include the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Education, Permanent Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, and others.
The ruling affects the proposed mass vaccination campaign that was set to begin on October 23, 2024, as outlined in official circulars. The court emphasized that no vaccination should be carried out without prior written consent from parents or guardians.
Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Barrister Mobisola Odimegwu stated that the court’s order puts the planned mass vaccination on hold until December 9, 2024, and urged Nigerians to stay informed about health measures and vaccination options.