Mirian Gom 
ZAMFARA, Nigeria – The Zamfara State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has postponed the resumption of all public and private schools in the state by two weeks following a health advisory on the prevailing diphtheria situation.
Schools are now expected to resume on Monday, September 28, 2026, subject to confirmation with the approved academic calendar.
The ministry announced the decision in a public notice issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology.
The ministry said the extension was aimed at protecting pupils, students, teachers and the wider school community from the disease.
It said the additional two weeks would 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 new resumption date.
Schools were also encouraged to use the extended break to clean and decontaminate their premises.
The ministry urged school authorities to ensure that adequate handwashing facilities are available when students return.
Parents and guardians were advised to cooperate with health authorities on vaccination, screening and other recommended preventive measures.
The Ministry of Education said it would continue to work with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to monitor the situation and provide further guidance where necessary.
The state government also appealed for cooperation from parents, teachers, school owners, traditional institutions, local government councils and other education stakeholders.
It said their cooperation remained important to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for children.
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Hope Ajayi 
