Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State will return to classrooms on Thursday after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) suspended its statewide strike over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The decision followed renewed discussions with the Oyo State Government and a directive from the national leadership of the union after reviewing security assurances provided by the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union said the suspension was reached after considering commitments by the government to improve security in schools and intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The union explained that the government pledged to strengthen the Safe School Initiative, establish a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access roads, improve emergency response mechanisms, and sustain engagement with affected families.
Other measures included providing psychosocial support for rescued victims, paying outstanding gratuities and entitlements to families of deceased teachers, tackling criminal hideouts, addressing illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, enhancing intelligence gathering, prosecuting criminal suspects, improving the welfare of security personnel, and deploying technology to boost school security.
The NUT commended its members, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) for their discipline and solidarity throughout the industrial action.
While directing teachers to resume work on July 2, the union urged them to remain security conscious and promptly report any suspicious activities within schools and surrounding communities to the appropriate authorities.
The strike was declared after more than 40 teachers and pupils were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area in early June.
Although the victims are yet to regain their freedom, the state government has assured that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe rescue and prevent similar incidents in the future.
