Zamfara to reopen all schools as authorities report improvement in diphtheria situation

All schools in Zamfara State are scheduled to resume academic activities on Monday, 28 September 2026, after the state government said the diphtheria situation had improved. The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Gajam. The ministry said the decision followed an advisory from the Ministry of Health, while urging schools and communities to remain vigilant.

The directive covers public and private schools across the state, as well as Islamic and Qur’anic school centres. School authorities have been instructed to check pupils, students and staff daily for symptoms that could indicate diphtheria and to report suspected cases to health officials promptly. Anyone showing suspicious symptoms should not take part in school activities until receiving medical assessment, the ministry said.

Schools were also told to maintain handwashing and respiratory hygiene, improve classroom ventilation and reduce overcrowding where possible. The education ministry said schools should cooperate with a planned preventive vaccination campaign. It also directed them to strengthen health education and sensitisation for pupils, students, teachers and parents.

Each school is expected to designate a focal person for health-related reporting and communication with the authorities. Parents and guardians were advised not to send children who are unwell to school, but to seek medical attention and report suspected illnesses. The state government said the health and safety of children remained a priority and asked residents to work with health officials.

For outbreak-related information and reporting, it provided contacts for the Director of Public Health, the State Epidemiologist and the State Disease Notification Officer.