The Zamfara State Government has announced that all schools across the state will resume academic activities on Monday, 28 September 2026, following an improvement in the diphtheria situation.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Gajam.
The ministry said the decision to reopen schools followed an advisory from the Ministry of Health indicating that the diphtheria situation had improved.
It, however, urged schools and communities to remain vigilant and sustain preventive measures to prevent further transmission of the disease.
The directive applies to all public and private schools across the state, including Islamic and Qur’anic school centres.
School authorities were directed to monitor pupils, students and staff daily for symptoms suggestive of diphtheria and promptly report suspected cases to the appropriate health authorities.
The ministry also advised schools to prevent anyone displaying suspicious symptoms from participating in school activities until they had undergone medical assessment.
Other measures outlined by the government include regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, adequate classroom ventilation and efforts to reduce overcrowding where possible.
Schools were also directed to cooperate with the planned preventive vaccination campaign and intensify health education and sensitisation among pupils, students, teachers and parents.
Each school is expected to designate a focal person responsible for health-related reporting and communication with relevant health authorities.
Parents and guardians were particularly advised not to send unwell children to school, but instead seek medical attention promptly and report suspected illnesses to health officials.
The state government assured residents that the health and safety of children remained a priority and called on schools, parents and communities to cooperate with health authorities to maintain safe learning environments.
For outbreak-related public health information and reporting, residents can contact the Director of Public Health on 07039605038, the State Epidemiologist on 08166664263, or the State Disease Notification Officer on 07062227171.
