The Oyo State Government has commended the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), both at the national and state levels, for its compassionate decision on reopening of schools in the state.
The state government gave the commendation in reaction to the decision, in a release by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
NUT, Oyo State chapter, had directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state to go on an indefinite strike following the abduction of primary school pupils and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on 15 May, 2027.
NUT and reopening of schools in Oyo State
However, the state leadership of the Union, on Wednesday, announced the suspension of the withdrawal of services across public schools and directed its members to resume their normal activities on Thursday.
It explained that the decision was a sequel to renewed engagements with the state government and assurances over measures to improve security after the Oriire Abduction.
Recall that the State Executive Council, last week Tuesday, appealed to NUT to consider reopening the schools for the sake of the students, many of whom may fall into the wrong hands while roaming the streets and staying out of school.
It was stated in the release stated that, by calling off the month-long strike, the Union has graciously saved the Oyo State Government and citizens from the double jeopardy of the kidnapping itself and having to deal with the negative social consequences of having its students engage in idle enterprises.
The people and residents of the state were equally commended for their patience and understanding, even as efforts were still ongoing to bring the kidnapping nightmare to a close.
Oyo NUT stated in a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and secretary, Olukayode Salami, that the suspension of the strike followed a directive from its national leadership after reviewing the prevailing security situation and considering appeals by the Oyo State Government and other key stakeholders.
The Union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to resume official duties from Thursday, July 2, 2026, bringing an end to the industrial action that was declared in response to the Oriire Abduction.
According to the statement, the decision was taken in the collective interest of teachers, learners and the general public after the government assured the Union that sustained efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools and surrounding communities.
Oyo NUT disclosed that the government had made several commitments and given assurances aimed at preventing future attacks.
These, it stated, included “intensified rescue efforts for the abducted teachers and learners; the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes;
“Continuous engagement with affected families; psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims; and payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.”
As stated in the statement, other commitments included strengthening the Safe School Initiative through public sensitisation and early warning systems; improving emergency response mechanisms; addressing criminal hideouts; upgrading school infrastructure;
Tackling illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves; enhancing community intelligence gathering; ensuring speedy prosecution of criminal suspects; improving the welfare of security personnel; and deploying technology to bolster school security.
The Union commended its members, as well as 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 period of the industrial action, describing their support as instrumental in advancing the welfare and security of teachers and learners.
While directing members to return to the classrooms, the Union urged teachers to remain vigilant, obey the law and promptly report any security threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.
The NUT reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of teachers, stressing that “it would continue engaging the government until all outstanding concerns regarding the safety of teachers and students are fully addressed.”
