Plateau orders statewide school closure over diphtheria outbreak

Academic activities have been suspended in all public and private primary and secondary schools in Plateau State following suspected cases of diphtheria in parts of the state.

The state government announced the decision on Saturday, directing schools to shut from Monday, September 7, 2026, until further notice.

Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, said the precautionary measure was necessary to reduce the risk of transmission among pupils, students and school staff.

She identified Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas as areas where suspected cases had been reported.

Ramnap said the directive covers schools that had already resumed for the new academic session, stressing that they must also suspend operations from Monday.

“Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, and remain closed until further notice,” she said.

The commissioner appealed to proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to comply with the directive and ensure that children remain at home during the period.

She said the measure was aimed at protecting pupils, students, teaching staff and non-teaching personnel while authorities work to establish the extent of the suspected outbreak and contain its spread.

Health authorities in the state have reportedly activated surveillance and response mechanisms in the affected communities, with contact tracing, vaccination mop-up and decontamination among the measures being implemented.

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Crowded environments, including schools, can facilitate its transmission.

The state government said the temporary closure would help minimise exposure as health officials continue efforts to contain the suspected outbreak.