Plateau State Orders Immediate Closure of All Schools Over Diphtheria Outbreak

In a proactive move to contain the spread of a growing health crisis, the Plateau State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of all public and private primary and secondary institutions across the state. The directive, authorized by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, takes effect on Monday, September 7, 2026.

The decision follows an alarming surge in suspected diphtheria infections, with health authorities confirming outbreaks across four local government areas: Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa. Recent reports from the State Ministry of Health indicate that the outbreak has recorded over 140 suspected cases and multiple fatalities over the past two weeks, prompting immediate containment protocols.

In an official statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the government emphasized that institutions already in session must immediately shut down operations.

"School proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians are to comply fully with the directive and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the period," the statement read. The closure aims to curb person-to-person transmission in crowded school environments while state health surveillance teams carry out contact tracing, targeted vaccinations, and decontamination exercises in affected districts.

State health officials have urged parents to closely monitor children for symptoms including persistent fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties, and to seek immediate medical intervention if signs appear. Further directives regarding the resumption of academic activities will be issued by the state government as containment efforts progress.