The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has suspended its indefinite strike and directed public primary and secondary school teachers to resume work following a directive from the union’s national leadership and fresh assurances by the state government on improving school security.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State has suspended its indefinite industrial action and directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to return to their classrooms from Thursday. The decision follows renewed engagements with the Oyo State Government and a directive from the union’s national leadership after reviewing the prevailing security situation.
In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the State Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union said the suspension was reached after the government assured it that intensified efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the abducted teachers and learners from Oriire Local Government Area.
The state government also pledged to strengthen security around schools, improve emergency response systems, reinforce the Safe School Initiative and maintain regular engagement with the families of the abducted victims.
The strike began after the abduction of teachers and students from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that triggered nationwide concern over the safety of schools in Oyo State.
During the industrial action, public schools remained closed while the union demanded stronger security measures and the safe rescue of the abducted victims before teachers could return to work.
According to the union, the decision to suspend the strike was taken in the collective interest of teachers, learners and the general public after considering appeals from the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders.
The NUT, however, urged the government to fulfill its promises on school security while continuing efforts to secure the unconditional release of the remaining abducted teachers and students.
With the suspension of the strike, public schools across Oyo State are expected to reopen as teachers resume duties. Education stakeholders will now be monitoring the government’s implementation of its security commitments and progress toward the safe return of all abducted victims.