In a swift precautionary move, the Plateau State Government has announced the immediate, temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state.
Taking effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, the directive comes as health authorities grapple with a rising concern over a diphtheria outbreak affecting multiple communities in the region.
The preventive measure was authorized under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang following the official detection of suspected diphtheria cases across four local government areas.
State health surveillance identified active areas of concern concentrated within Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa, prompting swift administrative action to curb further community transmission.
According to an official statement released on Saturday by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the mandate applies universally.
Schools that have already commenced their academic calendars for the new term are strictly required to suspend operations starting Monday and remain closed until further notice is issued by the government.
In the statement, the commissioner urgently appealed to school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians to ensure strict compliance with the shutdown directive.
Stakeholders have been tasked with keeping pupils and students safely at home to minimize public gathering risks while health agencies deploy containment strategies.
Emphasizing that the priority remains the collective health of the populace, the government noted that the temporary closure is fundamentally designed to safeguard students, teaching staff, and non-teaching personnel.
Concluding the address, the Plateau State Government expressed deep appreciation for the public’s understanding and cooperation as it navigates the health challenge.
