By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Following a 48-day ordeal since the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA, the Oyo State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called off its month-long strike on the intervention of the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government.
NUT Chairman Hassan Fatai announced the decision on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after successful talks with the state government and stakeholders.
Teachers have been instructed to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026, ensuring thousands of students can complete their current school session by the end of July.
The teachers embarked on an indefinite strike on June 1, 2026, following the May 15 abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The strike was initially triggered by the tragic outcome of the attack, which claimed the life of an assistant headmaster and led to the murder of an abducted teacher, Michael Oyedokun, while in captivity.
In response to these escalating safety concerns, the union chose to withdraw its services.
According to the NUT, the industrial action was a deliberate effort to highlight the deteriorating security situation and demand stronger protective measures for teachers, pupils, and school staff.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government said its intervention and sustained engagement with the Oyo State Government and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) contributed to resolving the industrial action.
The Federal Ministry of Education made the disclosure in a statement dated Wednesday, July 1, and received by Persecondnews on Thursday, July 2.
The statement, signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, said the resolution followed sustained engagement and constructive collaboration among the ministry, the Oyo State Government and the leadership of the NUT at the national, zonal and state levels.
According to the ministry, the development marked a major victory for dialogue, collaboration and the education of Nigerian children.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the resolution reflected the collective commitment of stakeholders to place the interests, safety and future of learners above every other consideration.
“I am glad to report today that the strike has been suspended. Teachers are now returning to school to educate their students. This is the result of our collaboration and coordination with the leadership of the National Union of Teachers and the Government of Oyo State.”
Alausa commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his commitment to resolving the impasse through dialogue.
He also lauded the National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the Zonal President, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Oyo State leadership of the union for what he described as their statesmanship in reaching an amicable resolution.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education despite prevailing security challenges.
“Our children will remain in school, and we will continue to educate them. We will not succumb to terror. This administration remains resolute in confronting insecurity with every available resource.”
Alausa also paid tribute to teachers across the country for their patriotism and resilience, describing them as indispensable partners in national development.
The ministry said it would continue to work with state governments, labour unions and security agencies under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen school safety and safeguard uninterrupted access to quality education nationwide.