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.
The directive, announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and remain in place until further notice.
The government said the measure was introduced to prevent further spread of the infection, particularly in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, where suspected cases have been reported.
Schools that had already resumed for the new academic term have also been directed to suspend activities.
Parents, teachers, school proprietors and administrators were urged to comply with the directive and keep pupils and students safely at home during the closure.
The state government said health authorities had activated surveillance and response teams in the affected communities, with measures including contact tracing, vaccination exercises and decontamination underway.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and direct contact.
Health authorities have urged parents to ensure their children are properly immunised and to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms such as fever, sore throat or difficulty breathing.
The government said further information on when schools will reopen would be communicated to the public.
