In a statement released on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Ramnap, the government directed that the closure take effect from Monday and remain in force until further notice. The measure covers schools that had already resumed for the new academic term.
According to the statement, the decision was taken “as a preventive measure against the diphtheria infection outbreak of suspected cases in some parts of the State, notably Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.”
Ramnap urged full compliance: “School proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians are to comply fully with the directive and ensure that students and pupils stay safely at home during this period as part of measures to protect their safety and well-being.”
The move followed reports of suspected cases in the named local government areas. Health authorities activated surveillance and response teams. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that spreads mainly through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing) or direct contact, and crowded places such as schools can facilitate transmission.
Understanding Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable bacterial disease. Early symptoms can include fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and red eyes. In more severe cases, a thick grey or white membrane may form in the throat, potentially causing breathing difficulties. Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children are at higher risk.
Nigeria has experienced recurrent diphtheria outbreaks in recent years, linked in part to gaps in routine immunisation coverage. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) consistently emphasise vaccination, early detection, and prompt treatment (antibiotics and, when indicated, diphtheria antitoxin) as the main tools for control.
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Government Response and Public Advice
State health officials intensified contact tracing, vaccination efforts, and community sensitisation in the affected areas. Parents and guardians were advised to keep children at home during the closure period and to seek medical care promptly if any child develops symptoms suggestive of diphtheria.
The NCDC has repeatedly advised states and the public to:
• Ensure children complete the recommended doses of diphtheria-containing vaccines (part of the pentavalent vaccine schedule in Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme).
• Practise good hygiene, including handwashing.
• Report suspected cases to local health authorities or the NCDC.
This temporary school closure was intended to reduce opportunities for transmission among children while public health teams assessed the situation and strengthened response measures.
Note: Schools in Plateau State later received directives to resume academic activities after the initial precautionary period, once surveillance and other measures had been strengthened. Always check official state government or Ministry of Education announcements for the most current status.
Sources and Further Reading
Information in this article is drawn from official statements by the Plateau State Government and publicly reported details from Nigerian news outlets covering the announcement. Background on diphtheria is based on guidance from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and news purposes only. It is not medical advice. If you or a family member experience symptoms that may be related to diphtheria or any other illness, consult a qualified healthcare professional or contact your local health authority immediately.
Vaccination status and individual health decisions should be discussed with a doctor or authorised immunisation provider.
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