The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has suspended its strike and directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to resume work on Thursday, July 2, following fresh engagements with the Oyo State Government over security concerns.
The decision was announced in a statement jointly signed by the union’s State Chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the suspension of the industrial action followed a directive from the union’s national leadership after reviewing the security situation and considering appeals by the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders.
The strike had been declared in protest against the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union said it decided to call off the strike after receiving assurances from the state government that sustained efforts were being made to secure the safe release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools and surrounding communities.
Among the government’s commitments are intensified rescue operations, 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.
Other measures include strengthening the Safe School Initiative through public sensitisation and early warning systems, improving emergency response mechanisms, dismantling criminal hideouts, upgrading school infrastructure, tackling illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, enhancing community intelligence gathering, ensuring the prosecution of criminal suspects, improving the welfare of security personnel and deploying technology to improve school security.
The union commended its members, as well as the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, for their discipline, solidarity and compliance during the strike.
It urged teachers to remain vigilant as they return to classrooms, obey the law and promptly report any security threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.
The NUT reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and safety of teachers, stating that it would continue engaging the Oyo State Government until all outstanding concerns regarding the security of teachers and learners are fully addressed.
