NUT suspends strike, directs teachers to resume work

NUT suspends strike, directs teachers to resume work

Yinka ADETUNJI

Advertisement

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Oyo state wing has suspended its four week old strike action over the abduction of teachers and students at schools in Oriire local area of Oyo state.

It stated it suspended the action due to assurance from the state government that a special security task force would be formed and after engagements with other stakeholders.

Advertisement

In a letter signed by the state chairman and secretary of the union, Hassan Fatai and Salami Olukayode respectively and titled “Suspension of withdrawal of teachers’ service from Ovo State public schools,” the union stated, “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 appeal by the government and other critical stakeholders, has directed the suspension of the withdrawal of services earlier embarked upon an account of abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government of the State.

Advertisement

It directed all teachers in both public private and secondary schools to resume classes tomorrow. “Consequently, all teachers in both public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State are hereby directed to resume their official duties and lawfully, discharge of their responsibilities as from Thursday 2nd July, 2026.

“This decision was reached in the collective interest of our members, our learners, and the general public having being assured of continuous efforts are being made by the relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of our abducted colleagues and learners, as well as strengthen security measures around our schools and communities.

Advertisement

“Among the far-reaching commitments made by the Government are intensified efforts towards the safe release and recovery of abducted teachers and learners; the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to conduct regular patrols of vulnerable schools and access routes; continuous engagement with the families of victims; provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and learners; payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers; sustained public sensitization on Safe School initiatives and early warning mechanisms; strengthening security training and emergency response systems; addressing ungoverned spaces that harbour criminal elements; improvement of school infrastructure; tackling the root causes of insecurity, including illegal mining and open grazing encroachment into forest reserves; strengthening community intelligence and collaboration with security agencies; ensuring swift justice for criminal elements while improving the welfare of security personnel; and deploying technology and effective information management to enhance school security.

“The Union appreciates the understanding, solidarity, discipline, and total compliance demonstrated by members including ANCOPSS and AOPSHON during the period of the withdrawal of services. 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.

“While resuming academic activities, members are enjoined to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperate with school authorities and security agencies by promptly reporting any security concerns within their respective communities.”

The union restated its commitment to protecting its members. “The Nigeria Union of Teachers remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of its members and will continue to engage with the government until all outstanding concerns are satisfactorily addressed.”

In the meantime, the abductees are yet to be released.