The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Wednesday announced the suspension of its withdrawal of services across Oyo state public schools.
NUT in a statement jointly signed by the union’s Oyo state chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and secretary, Olukayode Salami, said the suspension was as a result of
renewed engagements with the state government and assurances over measures to improve security after the abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire local government area.
The statement added that the suspension 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.
Oyo NUT in the statement 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 kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire local government area.”
It stated that 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.
NUT added that Oyo state government had made several commitments aimed at preventing future attacks, including 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.
The statement added that other commitments include 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 lauded 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.