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The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following concerns over suspected cases of diphtheria.
The directive, announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and remain in place until further notice.
The government said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect pupils, students and school staff from possible exposure to the infection. Suspected cases have been reported in parts of Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The directive applies to every school in the state, including institutions that have already resumed academic activities for the new term. School owners and administrators have therefore been instructed to suspend classes from Monday and ensure that students and pupils remain at home until further notice.
Parents and guardians have also been urged to cooperate with the government and avoid sending their children to school during the closure period.
The development comes as health authorities intensify efforts to determine the extent of the suspected outbreak. Surveillance and response teams have reportedly been activated in the affected communities, with health workers focusing on contact tracing, vaccination and other measures aimed at preventing further spread.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Crowded environments, including schools, can make transmission easier, which has heightened concerns over the suspected cases in Plateau State.
The state government said the temporary closure is part of a broader response strategy while health officials work to contain the situation. Decontamination and vaccination mop-up exercises are also expected to be carried out in areas where suspected cases have been identified.
The Mutfwang administration appealed for patience and cooperation from parents, teachers, school proprietors and other stakeholders, stressing that the decision was made in the interest of public health and the safety of children.The government said it would provide further information on when schools will reopen once the situation has been assessed.
Meanwhile, parents have been encouraged to ensure their children are up to date with routine vaccinations and to maintain good hygiene practices. Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, sore throat or difficulty breathing should be taken to a health facility promptly for medical attention.
For now, schools across Plateau State are to remain shut as authorities work to get a clearer picture of the suspected outbreak and prevent it from spreading further.The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following concerns over suspected cases of diphtheria.
The directive, announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and remain in place until further notice.
The government said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect pupils, students and school staff from possible exposure to the infection. Suspected cases have been reported in parts of Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The directive applies to every school in the state, including institutions that have already resumed academic activities for the new term. School owners and administrators have therefore been instructed to suspend classes from Monday and ensure that students and pupils remain at home until further notice.Parents and guardians have also been urged to cooperate with the government and avoid sending their children to school during the closure period.
The development comes as health authorities intensify efforts to determine the extent of the suspected outbreak. Surveillance and response teams have reportedly been activated in the affected communities, with health workers focusing on contact tracing, vaccination and other measures aimed at preventing further spread.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Crowded environments, including schools, can make transmission easier, which has heightened concerns over the suspected cases in Plateau State.
The state government said the temporary closure is part of a broader response strategy while health officials work to contain the situation. Decontamination and vaccination mop-up exercises are also expected to be carried out in areas where suspected cases have been identified.
The Mutfwang administration appealed for patience and cooperation from parents, teachers, school proprietors and other stakeholders, stressing that the decision was made in the interest of public health and the safety of children.
The government said it would provide further information on when schools will reopen once the situation has been assessed.
Meanwhile, parents have been encouraged to ensure their children are up to date with routine vaccinations and to maintain good hygiene practices. Anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, sore throat or difficulty breathing should be taken to a health facility promptly for medical attention.
For now, schools across Plateau State are to remain shut as authorities work to get a clearer picture of the suspected outbreak and prevent it from spreading further.
