The Plateau State Government directed all schools across the state to close from Monday, September 7, 2026, following reports of suspected diphtheria cases in Jos North, Jos South, Wase and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The directive, issued under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, applies to schools that have already resumed academic activities and will remain in force until further notice. The government said the measure was aimed at protecting pupils, students and teaching and non-teaching staff while efforts to contain the suspected outbreak continue.
The development comes amid growing concern over the spread of diphtheria in the state. According to reports, Plateau had recorded 148 suspected cases, with 23 deaths linked to the outbreak as of September 5. Health authorities have also established isolation and treatment arrangements for suspected cases.
Against this backdrop, MADEN, through its Healthy Schools Programme, said the immediate closure of schools should be accompanied by measures aimed at improving the capacity of schools to prevent, identify and respond to infectious diseases.
“Temporary school closure may help reduce opportunities for transmission, but protecting learners requires more than an emergency response.”
The foundation said schools should use the period before reopening to strengthen infection prevention practices, risk assessment, referral systems, health education and preparedness among teachers and other school personnel.
Parents urged to watch for symptoms
MADEN urged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical attention if children develop symptoms associated with diphtheria.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that commonly affects the nose and throat and can spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact and contaminated objects. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) identifies symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, neck swelling and, in severe cases, a thick grey or white membrane in the throat that can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
The foundation advised parents not to rely on self-medication when symptoms suggestive of diphtheria occur, but to seek assessment at an appropriate healthcare facility.
It also encouraged parents and caregivers to check their children’s vaccination status and follow guidance from health authorities regarding routine, catch-up or outbreak-response vaccination.
The NCDC states that routine vaccination remains the most effective way of preventing diphtheria and recommends three doses of the pentavalent vaccine during infancy, while children who missed scheduled doses can receive catch-up vaccination.
MADEN seeks stronger role for teachers
The foundation also highlighted the importance of equipping teachers with basic school-health knowledge.
According to MADEN, teachers interact with children daily and may be among the first adults to notice when a learner begins to show signs of illness.
“Teachers are not expected to diagnose disease, but basic school-health training can help them recognise warning signs, take appropriate initial action and know when and where to refer a learner.”
It said teacher capacity building should therefore be treated as an essential component of school-health preparedness rather than an optional intervention.
Beyond school closures
MADEN said the current situation provides an opportunity for the state to strengthen systems that can protect children from future public-health threats while reducing disruption to education.
It called for closer coordination between the health and education sectors, with clearly defined responsibilities for teachers, parents, healthcare providers, school administrators and government institutions.
“Schools need practical systems that connect the education and health sectors, with teachers, parents, healthcare providers and government institutions understanding their respective roles.”
The foundation said such systems should include preventive health education, early recognition of illnesses, appropriate referral pathways, access to reliable health information and adequate preparedness among school personnel.
MADEN said it remained ready to work with relevant authorities and partners in Plateau State on health education, risk communication, teacher capacity building and other appropriate school-health interventions.
“The immediate priority is protecting children. The longer-term opportunity is ensuring that our schools emerge safer, healthier and better prepared for future public-health threats.”
The foundation described its Healthy Schools Programme as part of its broader effort to advance school health, menstrual health and community health in Nigeria.
