RismadarVoice Reporters
September 6, 2026
The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following reports of suspected diphtheria cases.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the state Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap.
According to the commissioner, the closure will take effect from Monday and remain in place indefinitely pending further developments.
She said the measure was part of efforts to prevent the spread of the suspected infection, particularly in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, where cases have reportedly been identified.
“The directive… is taking preventative measures against the diphtheria infection outbreak of suspected cases in some parts of the State, notably Jos North, Wase, Jos South & Bassa Local Government Areas,” Ramnap said.
The government said the order applies to schools that had already resumed for the new academic term.
“Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, and remain closed until further notice,” the commissioner added.
Parents, teachers, school proprietors and administrators were urged to comply with the directive and ensure that pupils and students remain at home throughout the period.
Ramnap said the precautionary measure was necessary to protect pupils, students, teaching staff and non-teaching personnel while health authorities assess the situation.
The closure follows growing concerns over suspected diphtheria infections in parts of Plateau State.
Health authorities have reported suspected cases in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa, prompting the state Ministry of Health to activate surveillance and response teams in affected communities.
Diphtheria is an infectious disease that can spread through respiratory droplets and close physical contact. Schools and other crowded environments can facilitate transmission.
As part of its response, the state government said health workers would intensify contact tracing, vaccination mop-up exercises and decontamination activities in communities where suspected cases have been identified.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has previously encouraged states to strengthen vaccination programmes, public awareness campaigns and early detection of suspected cases to prevent outbreaks from spreading.
The Plateau government said the temporary school closure would help reduce children’s exposure while health officials carry out the necessary public health interventions.
