The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state as a precautionary step against a spreading diphtheria outbreak.
The directive takes effect Monday, September 7, 2026, and applies even to schools that have already resumed academic activities for the term, according to a statement issued Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap.
The closure order comes after suspected diphtheria cases were detected in four Local Government Areas — Jos North, Jos South, Wase and Bassa — raising concerns within the Mutfwang administration about the risk of wider spread among schoolchildren.
Ramnap said schools would remain shut until further notice, and called on proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to comply fully with the directive and ensure pupils and students stay at home during the period.
She said the decision was taken to safeguard the health and wellbeing of students, teachers and non-teaching staff across the state.
“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 read.
The Mutfwang-led administration has yet to indicate how long the closure will last, saying further updates will be communicated as the situation develops.
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