World Teachers’ Day 2026: NUT gifts cash, educational materials to ‘victors,’ deceased families of Ahoro-Esiele
Niyi AJALA
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In continuation of activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Council, through the Ogbomoso zone, has presented cash gifts and educational materials to students of Ahoro-Esiele who were affected by the recent attack in the area.
The presentation, which took place at the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Office in Ogbomoso, also included cash support for the wives of teachers who lost their lives during the tragic incident. Recall the council earlier presented cash to the affected teachers during the World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ibadan.
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Explaining the reason for the gathering, Comrade Adeyinka Oluwatoyin, Ogbomoso zonal chairman of NUT, said the event was organised not only to present the materials and financial assistance but also to identify with the affected students and their families and share in the joy of their return.
He said the gathering was an opportunity for the NUT to encourage the parents to look beyond the painful experience and begin to prepare their children for a better and promising future.
According to him, although the incident had brought pain and sadness to the families and the community, the children must not be allowed to remain permanently affected by the experience. He therefore encouraged parents to support their children emotionally and educationally and help them regain confidence as they continue their schooling.
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The gesture followed the presentation of cash and educational materials to victims of the attack during the Oyo State NUT World Teachers’ Day celebration held in Ibadan on October 5, 2026. However, because not all the affected students and beneficiaries could travel to Ibadan for the presentation, the Ogbomoso zone organised the local presentation to ensure that the support reach the intended beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Dr. Dele Oyedokun, the Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone 1, in his goodwill message, urged parents not to allow the unfortunate incident to permanently disrupt the education of their children.
He appealed to parents to encourage the students to return to school, assuring them that efforts were being made by the government and relevant stakeholders to improve security and prevent a recurrence of the incident.
Also speaking, Mr. B.O.A. Adisa, Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education, Ogbomoso Zone 2, commended the NUT for the initiative, describing the gesture as worthy of commendation.
He encouraged parents not to allow fear to prevent their children from continuing their education. He advised parents to speak positively to the children and help them overcome the psychological impact of the incident.
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He further stressed the importance of collaboration among parents, teachers and government in ensuring that the affected students return to school and continue their education without further interruption.
In his goodwill message, Comrade Amuda Adegoke, Assistant State Secretary of NUT, urged parents to encourage their children to return to school, describing education as a major pillar upon which success in life is built.
He appealed to the parents not to allow the unfortunate incident to discourage their children from pursuing their education, stressing that their future remained important despite the challenges they had experienced.
Comrade Amuda also prayed that such an unfortunate incident would never happen again. He noted that the NUT shared in the pain and suffering of the affected families and students, adding that the union remained concerned about their welfare and future.
In her remark, Dr. Adebola Ayegboyin, Permanent Secretary/Tutor-General TESCOM Ogbomoso Zone, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness the gathering and commended the NUT leadership in Oyo state for remembering the affected families.
Dr Ayegboyin appealed to parents to take the education of the affected students seriously and ensure that the educational materials and financial assistance provided were used specifically for the benefit of the children.
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Ayegboyin also cautioned parents to be mindful of the language they use when discussing the incident with the students, stressing the need to encourage rather than frighten them.
She urged parents to provide emotional support and continuously encourage the children to return to school, noting that education remained essential to their future.
The chairman of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) Ogbomoso zone, Mr. Akinrinwa, also supported the earlier appeals, encouraging parents and other stakeholders to work together to ensure that the students resume their academic activities.
Similarly, the chairman of Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Mrs. Ogunniyi, urged parents to encourage their children to return to school, assuring them of the commitment of teachers and other stakeholders to support their education.
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Speaking on behalf of the Oyo state NUT chairman, Comrade Hassan Ajibola, Comrade Toju Adedoyin said the state leadership of the union recognised the suffering experienced by the affected families and would not forget the contributions and sacrifices of the deceased teachers.
Adedoyin, a former state chairman of NUT stated that the union remains committed to supporting the families and ensuring that the children left behind by the deceased were not abandoned.
According to him, the NUT would continue to work with relevant stakeholders towards creating a safer environment for teachers and students, while expressing hope that such a tragic occurrence would not happen again, by God’s grace.
He also emphasised that the education of the children of the deceased and other affected students must be given priority.
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Michael Ojetayo, Director of Administration, TESCOM Ogbomoso zone, appreciated the leadership of the NUT Oyo state Wing under the chairmanship of Comrade Hassan Ajibola for its intervention and continued support for the affected families.
He also appealed to parents not to allow fear to prevent them from sending their children back to school, stressing that education must continue despite the unfortunate experience.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, one of the parents expressed appreciation to the NUT for remembering the affected families and students.
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The parent pledged that the beneficiaries would make good use of the support provided and do everything possible to ensure that the children return to school and continue their education.
The event ended with renewed appeals for collective responsibility among parents, teachers, government and other stakeholders in rebuilding confidence, supporting affected families and ensuring that the education and future of the children are not disrupted by the traumatic experience.
