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 preventive measures to contain a suspected diphtheria outbreak.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in a directive, said suspected diphtheria cases have been recorded in parts of the state, particularly in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the closure takes effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and applies to schools that have already resumed academic activities.
The government said the measure was aimed at safeguarding the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff while efforts to contain the outbreak continue.
School proprietors, administrators and teachers have been directed to comply fully with the order. Parents and guardians were also urged to ensure that their children and wards remain safely at home during the period.
The government appealed for understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders, stressing that the decision was in the best interest of the people to prevent further transmission.
It added that further information on the resumption of academic activities would be communicated in due course.
