The Gombe State Government has launched an emergency vaccination campaign after 332 cases of diphtheria were recorded in four local government areas.
The affected areas are Akko, Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye.
The state Ministry of Education has directed school principals to work with health officials during the vaccination exercise.
The first phase of the immunisation programme will run from September 20 to 24, 2026.
The ministry said the second dose would be given 14 days after the first, while the third and final dose would be administered seven days later.
School principals were also asked to educate students, parents, Parent-Teacher Associations and School-Based Management Committees about the vaccination exercise.
They were directed to allow authorised health workers access to students for vaccination and to support other measures aimed at stopping the spread of the disease.
Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract. It can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person.
The outbreak has led to increased vaccination and awareness campaigns in schools and communities across the affected areas.
Gombe launches emergency vaccination campaign after 332 diphtheria cases