Abducted school children; Oyo teachers suspend indefinite strike, resume classes

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended the indefinite strike embarked upon by public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State, following a directive from its national leadership after engagements with the state government and other stakeholders.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, paves the way for teachers across the state to resume academic activities from Thursday, July 2, 2026.

In a joint statement signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the NUT, Hassan Fatai, and the union’s Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union said the suspension followed a review of the prevailing security situation and assurances by the state government on measures to improve the safety of teachers and learners.

According to the union, the National Executive of the NUT considered appeals from the Oyo State Government and other critical stakeholders before directing the suspension of the industrial action, which was declared over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

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“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 appeals 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 read.

The union subsequently directed all public school teachers to return to their duty posts and resume normal academic activities.

The NUT explained that its decision was informed by assurances from the Oyo State Government that concerted efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted teachers and schoolchildren.

According to the union, the government also pledged to establish a fully equipped Joint Security Task Force to conduct routine patrols around vulnerable schools and access roads across the state.

Other commitments made by the government include sustained engagement with families of the abducted victims, psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and learners, as well as payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of teachers who lost their lives during the attacks.

The government also promised to intensify public awareness campaigns on safe school initiatives, strengthen early warning systems, improve emergency response mechanisms, and enhance security training for school communities.

In addition, authorities pledged to address ungoverned spaces believed to serve as hideouts for criminal elements, tackle illegal mining and encroachment by open grazing into forest reserves, strengthen community intelligence gathering, improve collaboration with security agencies, ensure speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, enhance the welfare of security personnel, and deploy technology to improve school security.

The union praised teachers across the state for their solidarity and compliance throughout the industrial action.

It said members demonstrated unity and discipline in pursuing improved welfare and greater security for teachers and pupils.

“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 added.

While directing members to resume work, the NUT urged teachers to remain vigilant and cooperate with school authorities and security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or security threats within their communities.

The strike began after the NUT, in a circular dated May 29, directed teachers across Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely following the May 15 abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The gunmen also killed a motorcyclist and the assistant headmaster of one of the affected schools during the attacks.

The incident sparked nationwide protests by teachers and school administrators on June 2, days after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity.