The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state as part of urgent measures to contain the spread of a suspected diphtheria outbreak.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in a directive, said suspected cases of diphtheria had been identified in parts of the state, particularly in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The closure takes effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and applies to schools that have already resumed academic activities.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the measure is intended to protect the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff as the government intensifies efforts to contain the outbreak.
School proprietors, administrators and teachers have been directed to comply fully with the order, while parents and guardians have been advised to ensure that their children and wards remain safely at home throughout the period.
The government appealed for the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders, stressing that the temporary closure was necessary to protect public health and prevent further transmission of the infection.
It added that further information on the resumption of academic activities would be communicated in due course.
