Plateau Govt closes schools over suspected diphtheria cases

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 in four Local Government Areas.

The directive takes effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, with schools to remain closed until further notice.

The government gave the order in a statement issued on Saturday, September 5, and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni.

According to the statement, suspected cases of diphtheria have been recorded in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.

Schools that had already resumed academic activities were also directed to close from Monday.

The government urged school proprietors, administrators and teachers to comply with the directive and asked parents and guardians to keep pupils and students at home throughout the closure.

The move, according to the state government, is a preventive measure to protect pupils, students and school staff amid concerns over the suspected infection.

“Further information on the resumption of academic activities will be communicated to the public in due course,” the statement said.