Plateau Shuts Schools Indefinitely as Diphtheria Fears Grip Four LGAs

Timescope News

The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, effective Monday, September 7, 2026, in a bid to curb a suspected diphtheria outbreak.

The directive, which applies to schools that have already resumed sessions, comes after suspected cases were reported in Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas.

In a statement issued Saturday, September 5, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, confirmed that all affected schools would remain shut until further notice. She urged proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians to ensure students stay home throughout the closure.

"The health and wellbeing of our pupils, students, and staff remain our top priority as we work to contain this suspected outbreak," the statement read.

The government appealed for full cooperation from all stakeholders, describing the closure as a necessary precaution taken in the best interest of Plateau residents. It assured the public that updated information on school resumption would be released as soon as the situation stabilizes.