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.

The government directed school proprietors, administrators, teachers, and parents to enforce compliance and ensure students remain at home to protect the health of pupils and school staff.

“Furthermore, school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians are to comply fully with the directives and ensure that students and pupils remain safely at home throughout the period as part of measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff,” the statement reads.

She added that the state government acknowledges the cooperation of school administrators, parents, and other stakeholders as public health interventions continue across affected communities.

The closure comes amid rising health concerns in the state. The ICIR reported that 23 people have died from suspected diphtheria in the last two weeks, with 143 suspected cases recorded, according to the state Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong.

The ICIR also published a comprehensive explainer on measures to take against the disease.