State Shuts Down Schools Over Diphtheria Threat

The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following concerns over a possible diphtheria outbreak.

The closure will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, as part of measures to prevent the spread of the disease and protect students and school workers.

The directive was issued by the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang after suspected diphtheria cases were detected in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said schools that had already resumed academic activities must also comply with the directive and close from Monday.

She directed school owners, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to ensure that pupils and students remain at home until the government gives further instructions.

The state government said the decision was taken as a precautionary step to safeguard the health of pupils, students, teachers and other school staff while efforts to manage the situation continue.

The government appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the directive and follow public health guidance during the period.

It said further decisions concerning the reopening of schools would be communicated after the necessary measures had been taken to address the health concern.