Oyo Teachers Resume Work as NUT Suspends Strike After Government Security Assurances

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its industrial action across public schools in Oyo State, directing all teachers to return to work on Thursday, July 2, following fresh discussions with the state government over security concerns triggered by the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the union’s Secretary, Olukayode Salami.

According to the union, the suspension followed a directive from its national leadership after reviewing the security situation and considering appeals from the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders.

The strike had been declared in response to the kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire LGA, which raised serious concerns about the safety of schools across the state.

The NUT said it agreed to resume academic activities after receiving assurances from the government that efforts were being intensified to secure the release of the abducted victims and improve security in and around schools.

Among the commitments made by the state government are the strengthening of rescue operations for the kidnapped teachers and pupils, the establishment of a fully equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access roads, and continued engagement with the families of the victims.

The government also pledged to provide psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, while ensuring that gratuities and other entitlements are paid to the families of deceased teachers.

Other promised measures include reinforcing the Safe School Initiative through public awareness campaigns and early warning systems, improving emergency response mechanisms, dismantling criminal hideouts, upgrading school infrastructure, tackling illegal mining and open grazing in forest areas, enhancing community intelligence gathering, ensuring the prosecution of criminal suspects, improving the welfare of security personnel, and deploying technology to strengthen school security.

The union commended its members, alongside the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), for their discipline, solidarity and compliance throughout the strike.

As teachers prepare to return to classrooms, the NUT urged members to remain vigilant, comply with security guidelines, and promptly report any suspicious activities or threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.