Plateau Shuts Schools Across State Over Diphtheria Outbreak Threat

The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following concerns over a possible outbreak of diphtheria.

The directive, issued by the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.

The government said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after suspected cases of diphtheria were detected in four local government areas of the state.

The affected local government areas are Jos North, Jos South, Wase and Bassa.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, directed all schools that had already resumed academic activities to immediately comply with the closure order from Monday.

The government stressed that the directive applies to both public and privately owned schools, covering primary and secondary institutions across Plateau State.

School proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians were urged to comply fully with the order and ensure that pupils and students remain safely at home until the government announces the resumption of academic activities.

The commissioner explained that the temporary closure was necessary to safeguard the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching staff and non-teaching personnel while health authorities assess the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent the possible spread of the disease.

Diphtheria is a serious infectious disease that can spread from person to person, particularly in crowded environments. The government’s decision to temporarily suspend school activities is therefore aimed at reducing the risk of transmission among children and school communities.

The Plateau State Government also called on all stakeholders to remain calm and cooperate with health officials as efforts continue to monitor and contain the suspected outbreak.

It further assured residents that appropriate steps would be taken in the best interest of the people, while updates on the situation would be communicated as necessary.

“The Government appreciates the understanding and full cooperation of all stakeholders as it continues to take appropriate measures in the best interest of the people of Plateau State,” the statement said.

The closure is expected to give health authorities more time to investigate the suspected cases, strengthen disease surveillance and introduce additional preventive measures where necessary.

The government urged residents, particularly parents and guardians, to remain vigilant and pay attention to any health concerns involving their children during the period.

Schools are expected to remain closed until the state government provides further directives on when academic activities can safely resume.

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