The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following suspected cases of diphtheria recorded in four Local Government Areas.
The directive takes effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, with all affected schools expected to remain closed until further notice.
The government announced the decision in a statement issued on Saturday, September 5, and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap.
According to the statement, suspected cases of diphtheria have been identified in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The government said the closure applies to both public and private primary and secondary schools across Plateau State, including institutions that had already resumed academic activities.
School proprietors, administrators and teachers were directed to comply with the order and suspend academic activities from Monday.
The government also appealed to parents and guardians to keep their children and wards at home throughout the period of the temporary closure.
The directive is intended to limit possible exposure and transmission among pupils, students, teachers and other members of the school community while authorities monitor the situation.
The Plateau State Government described the closure as a preventive measure aimed at protecting the health and safety of pupils, students and school staff.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, making crowded environments such as schools a potential concern when suspected cases are reported.
The government’s decision comes as health authorities continue to assess the suspected cases and monitor developments in the affected local government areas.
It urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with relevant authorities as measures are taken to prevent any further spread of the suspected infection.
The government did not announce a specific date for the reopening of schools, saying the institutions would remain closed until further notice.
It said any decision regarding the resumption of academic activities would be communicated to the public after the necessary assessments had been carried out.
“Further information on the resumption of academic activities will be communicated to the public in due course,” the statement said.
The government urged school authorities, parents and guardians to rely on official information and comply with all directives issued by the state authorities during the closure period.
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