The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following the reported outbreak of diphtheria in several Local Government Areas.
The directive, announced on Saturday, is aimed at preventing further transmission of the highly infectious bacterial disease among pupils, students, teachers and other members of the school community.
According to the state government, the closure will take effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and remain in force until further notice.
The directive also affects schools that had already resumed academic activities, with proprietors, administrators and teachers instructed to comply with the order and ensure that pupils and students remain at home throughout the period.
The development comes days after health officials confirmed the deaths of some residents in Jos North from suspected complications arising from diphtheria, raising concerns over the possible spread of the disease in densely populated areas and schools.
Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, had on Tuesday disclosed that about 23 people had died from the disease, while the state government intensified measures to contain the outbreak.
Baamlong also revealed that nine patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau Specialist Hospital.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the state government said Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang approved the temporary closure following reports of suspected diphtheria cases in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The government said the decision was necessary to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly in schools where large numbers of children and adolescents gather in enclosed and crowded environments.
It directed proprietors and administrators of private schools, as well as authorities in public schools, to ensure strict compliance with the closure order.
Parents and guardians were equally urged to keep their children and wards at home throughout the period and take necessary precautions to protect them from possible exposure to the infection.
“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,” Ramnap said.
The school shutdown has heightened concerns among parents, teachers and health workers as authorities race to prevent the suspected outbreak from escalating.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can affect the throat and airways and may cause severe breathing difficulties and other serious complications. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, the disease can lead to heart complications, respiratory failure and death.
The state government has therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with health authorities as efforts continue to identify cases, provide treatment and limit further transmission across affected communities.