RismadarVoice Reporters
July 1, 2026
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its strike across public schools in Oyo State, directing all teachers to resume work on Thursday following renewed discussions with the state government over security concerns triggered by the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the State Secretary, Olukayode Salami.
According to the union, the suspension followed a directive from its national leadership after reviewing the security situation and considering assurances provided by the Oyo State Government, as well as appeals from key stakeholders.
The industrial action, which affected public primary and secondary schools across the state, was declared in response to the kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union directed all public school teachers to return to their duty posts from Thursday, July 2, 2026.
NUT said its decision was taken in the collective interest of teachers, pupils and the wider public after the state government assured the union that sustained efforts were being made to secure the release of the abducted victims and strengthen security around schools.
According to the statement, the government has pledged to intensify rescue operations, establish a fully equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, maintain regular engagement with the families of the abducted victims, provide psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and learners, and settle gratuities and other outstanding entitlements owed to the families of deceased teachers.
The government also promised to strengthen the Safe School Initiative through increased public awareness campaigns and early warning systems, improve emergency response mechanisms, dismantle criminal hideouts, upgrade school infrastructure, tackle illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, enhance community intelligence gathering, ensure the speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, improve the welfare of security personnel, and deploy technology to reinforce security in schools.
The union commended its members for their discipline and solidarity during the strike, while also acknowledging the support of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), describing their cooperation as crucial to advancing the safety and welfare of teachers and learners.
While directing members to resume work, the NUT urged teachers to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or security threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of teachers, adding that it would continue engaging the state government until all outstanding concerns relating to the safety of teachers and students are fully addressed.
