Teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State have suspended their ongoing strike and directed members to resume duties across public schools in the state.
The decision followed renewed engagements between the union and the state government after weeks of disruption triggered by security concerns arising from the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area, which led to the shutdown of public schools across the state.
Decision taken in collective interest
According to the statement, the suspension 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.
The strike, which began on June 1, 2026, had paralysed academic activities in public schools and heightened concerns among parents and education stakeholders.
Union outlines government commitments
The union disclosed that the 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.
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.
Commendation of stakeholders
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.
It also noted that the decision followed a directive from the national leadership of the NUT after reviewing the prevailing security situation and considering appeals from the Oyo State Government and other key stakeholders.
Return to classrooms and safety warning
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.
Government welcomes resolution
The Oyo State Government has welcomed the suspension of the strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), describing the development as a major step toward restoring stability in the state’s education sector.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, commended the leadership of the union at both state and national levels for what he described as their sense of responsibility, maturity and cooperation in resolving the industrial dispute.
He noted that the decision reflected a shared commitment by both government and stakeholders to prioritise the safety of teachers and learners, as well as the continuity of academic activities across public schools.
Oyelade explained that the government had maintained continuous engagement with security agencies and community leaders since the incident in Oriire Local Government Area, adding that efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of abducted victims and prevent future occurrences.
He further assured that the state government remained committed to strengthening school security architecture through collaboration with relevant agencies, deployment of surveillance mechanisms and improved intelligence gathering around vulnerable communities.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to parents, community leaders and education stakeholders for their patience during the period of disruption, stressing that normal academic activities were expected to resume fully across the state.