•Diphtheria
The Zamfara State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has extended the resumption date of all public and private schools in the state by two weeks following a health advisory on the prevailing diphtheria situation.
It stated that the new resumption date is Monday, September 28, 2026, subject to confirmation with the approved academic calendar.
The ministry announced this in a public notice issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, saying the decision was aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teachers and the wider school community.
According to the notice, the extension will allow health and education authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination verification, public sensitisation and other preventive measures before schools reopen.
The ministry directed all school proprietors, heads of schools and management boards to comply with the extension.
It also encouraged schools to use the period to clean and decontaminate their premises and ensure the availability of adequate handwashing facilities.
Parents and guardians were urged to cooperate with health authorities on vaccination, screening and other recommended preventive measures.
It added that it would continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to provide further guidance as necessary.
The state government appreciated the understanding and cooperation of parents, teachers, school owners, traditional institutions, local government councils and other education stakeholders in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for children.
