The Plateau State Government has directed the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state as a precautionary measure against suspected cases of diphtheria.
The government gave the order on Saturday in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap.
According to the statement, the closure takes effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and will remain in force “until further notice.”
The directive was issued under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as part of efforts to curb the spread of the infection.
“The directive… is taking preventative measures against the Diphtheria Infection outbreak of suspected cases in some parts of the State, notably Jos North, Wase, Jos South & Bassa Local Government Areas,” the statement said.
The government said the closure applies to all schools, including those that have already resumed for the new term.
“Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, September 7, 2026, and remain closed until further notice,” it added.
Parents, teachers and school owners have been urged to comply fully with the directive.
“Furthermore, school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians are to comply fully with the directive and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the period as part of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff during the period under review,” the statement stressed.
The closure comes amid growing concern over a suspected outbreak of diphtheria.
Health authorities in Plateau confirmed that suspected cases have been reported in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas in recent weeks, prompting the Ministry of Health to activate surveillance and response teams in the affected communities.
Diphtheria spreads through direct contact or respiratory droplets and is common in crowded settings such as schools. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has, in the past, advised states to intensify vaccination, public sensitisation and early case detection to prevent wider transmission.
In response, the Mutfwang administration said the school closure was intended to limit exposure among children while health workers conduct contact tracing, vaccination mop-up and decontamination in the identified areas.
“The Government appreciates the understanding and full cooperation of all stakeholders as it continues to take appropriate measures in the best interest of the people of Plateau State,” the statement said.
The commissioner added that updates would follow.
“Further information on the resumption of academic activities will be communicated to the public in due course,” it concluded.
Health officials are urging parents to ensure that children complete their routine immunisations, practise hand hygiene and report symptoms such as fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing to the nearest health facility immediately.
