Zamfara Extends School Resumption By Two Weeks Over Diphtheria Outbreak

The Zamfara State Government has extended the long vacation for pupils and students in the state by two weeks following the outbreak of diphtheria across several Local Government Areas.

The extension affects all public and private schools in the state, according to a statement signed electronically by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulmalik Gajam.

The government said the decision followed the latest health advisory from the Ministry of Health on the prevailing diphtheria situation and was aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teachers and the wider school community.

It said the additional period would enable health and education authorities to strengthen disease surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination verification, public sensitisation and other preventive measures ahead of the reopening of schools.

The government also advised schools to use the extended break to clean and decontaminate their premises and ensure the availability of adequate handwashing facilities.

The new resumption date is Monday, September 28, 2026, subject to confirmation against the approved academic calendar.