Oyo NUT Suspends Strike, Directs Teachers to Resume Thursday

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its strike across public schools in Oyo State and directed teachers to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026, following renewed engagements with the state government over security concerns.

The decision comes after assurances by the government to strengthen security measures in the wake of the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union said the suspension followed a directive from its national leadership after reviewing the security situation and considering appeals from the Oyo State Government and other critical stakeholders.

The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to return to their duty posts, bringing an end to the industrial action declared in response to the kidnapping of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.

According to the statement, 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 ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted victims and improve security around schools and neighbouring communities.

The union disclosed that the state government had committed to intensifying rescue operations for the kidnapped teachers and pupils, establishing a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access roads, maintaining continuous engagement with affected families, providing psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, and paying gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.

Other commitments by the government include strengthening the Safe School Initiative through public sensitisation and early warning systems, improving emergency response mechanisms, dismantling criminal hideouts, upgrading school infrastructure, addressing illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, enhancing community intelligence gathering, ensuring the speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, improving the welfare of security personnel, and deploying technology to strengthen school security.

The union commended its members, alongside 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 strike, describing their support as vital in advancing the welfare and security of teachers and learners.

While directing teachers to return to the classrooms, the union urged members 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, adding that it would continue engaging the government until all outstanding concerns regarding the safety of teachers and students are fully addressed.