The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended the
indefinite strike in Oyo state following a directive from its national
leadership.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Hassan Fatai, chairman of
the Oyo state chapter of the NUT, and Olukayode Salami, the union’s secretary,
said the decision followed a review of the security situation and appeals by
the Oyo state government and other stakeholders.
“This is to officially convey to all Public Primary and
Secondary School Teachers in Oyo State that the National Leadership of the
Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), having reviewed the prevailing situation and
following constructive engagements with the Oyo State Government and public
appeal by the government and other critical stakeholders, has directed the
suspension of the withdrawal of services earlier embarked upon over the
abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government of the State,”
the statement reads.
“Consequently, all teachers in public primary and secondary
schools across Oyo State are hereby directed to resume their official duties
and lawfully discharge their responsibilities as from Thursday, 2nd July,
2026.”
The union said the decision was reached in the collective
interest of the public following assurances by the state government that
continuous efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
According to the statement, other commitments made by the
government include the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task
Force to conduct regular patrols of vulnerable schools and access routes.
The government also pledged continuous engagement with the
families of victims, provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation for
rescued teachers and learners, as well as payment of gratuities and other
entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.
The union said the government also promised to sustain
public sensitisation on safe school initiatives and early warning mechanisms,
as well as strengthen security training and emergency response systems.
Others include addressing ungoverned spaces that harbour
criminal elements; improving school infrastructure; tackling the root causes of
insecurity, including illegal mining and open grazing encroachment into forest
reserves; strengthening community intelligence and collaboration with security
agencies; ensuring swift justice for criminal elements while improving the
welfare of security personnel; and deploying technology and effective
information management to enhance school security.
The union commended its members for the understanding,
solidarity, discipline and total compliance demonstrated during the period of
the withdrawal of services.
“Your unwavering commitment to the directives of the Union
has further strengthened our collective voice in pursuing the welfare,
wellbeing, safety and security of teachers and learners,” the statement said.
“While resuming academic activities, members are enjoined to
remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperate with school authorities and
security agencies by promptly reporting any security concerns within their
respective communities.”
The union noted its commitment to safeguarding the welfare
and security of its members, adding that it will continue to engage with the
government until all outstanding concerns are satisfactorily addressed.
BACKGROUND
The NUT, in a circular dated May 29, directed all teachers
in the state to withdraw their services indefinitely over the May 15 abduction
of 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers in the Oriire LGA.
Gunmen had raided three schools across communities in the
council, killing a motorcyclist and the assistant headmaster of one of the
schools.
The incident triggered nationwide protests by teachers and
school principals on June 2, days after the bandits killed Michael Oyedokun,
one of the abducted teachers, while in captivity.
In response to the nationwide outrage, President Bola Tinubu
ordered the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and special security forces for
the rescue of the abductees.
But the victims have remained still in captivity despite
repeated assurances by the government of their safe return
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