The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state over suspected cases of diphtheria infection.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, on September 5, 2026 and made available to The News Chronicle.
According to the statement, the directive takes effect Monday, September 7, 2026, as the government moves to contain the suspected outbreak reported in parts of Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to shut down from Monday and remain closed until further notice.
The government urged school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to comply fully with the directive and ensure that pupils and students remain safely at home throughout the closure.
It said the measure was taken as a precaution to protect the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff while efforts to contain the suspected outbreak continue.
The government appealed for the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders, assuring residents that appropriate measures were being taken in the best interest of the people of the state.
It added that the public would be informed in due course when schools are cleared to resume academic activities.
