Plateau closes schools over diphtheria outbreak

THE Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following a diphtheria outbreak in several local government areas.

The directive, which takes effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, applies to all basic education institutions, including schools that have already commenced academic activities.

In a statement signed on Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, stated that the closure served as a preventive measure against suspected cases identified in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, and Wase local government areas.

“The directive under the leadership of His Excellency, Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang, Esq, is taking preventative measures against the diphtheria infection outbreak of suspected cases in some parts of the state notably Jos North, Wase, Jos South & Bassa, local Government Areas,” Ramnap said.