In response to the ongoing measles outbreak in some local government areas (LGAs) of Adamawa State, the state government has taken decisive action by postponing the resumption of schools for the third term.

Schools, which had initially reopened on Monday, were abruptly instructed to close until the following Monday, May 13, according to a circular issued by the state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development.

The circular, dated 6/5/2024, cited the outbreak of measles as the primary reason for the postponement, stating, “The resumption date of third term 2023/2024 academic session earlier scheduled to be 6th May, 2024 has been postponed to next week 13th May, 2024 due to outbreak of measles in some LGAs in the state.”

Signed by the Permanent Secretary, Aisha Umar, the circular emphasized the need to mitigate the spread of the disease and facilitate vaccination efforts by the Primary Health Care Agency targeting vulnerable children.

Addressed to key stakeholders including the Acting Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Management Board, the Acting Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Adamawa State, the directive specified the immediate closure of all public and private schools in the state.

The decision comes in the wake of the state government’s confirmation, reported by DAILY POST on Friday, May 3, of a measles outbreak in two LGAs, resulting in the tragic loss of 42 lives by that time. The government’s proactive measures aim to safeguard the health and well-being of students and the wider community while addressing the urgent public health challenge posed by the outbreak.

As Adamawa State continues its efforts to contain the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations, the postponement of school resumption underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing public health and safety in the face of emerging health threats.