The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called off its indefinite strike declared in Oyo State public schools since June 1.
A statement on Wednesday jointly signed by the union’s state chairman and secretary, Hassan Fatai and Olukayode Salami respectively, said the decision followed renewed engagements with the state government and assurance to improve security measures in the state.
Recall that the NUT on June 1 directed primary and secondary school teachers in the state to shut down operations following the abduction of some teachers and pupils from Community Grammar School Ahoro-Esinle, L.A. Primary School Ahoro-Esinle and Baptist Nursery and Primary School Yawota, by suspected gunmen on May 15 in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
According to the statement, the union’s suspension of the strike action followed a directive from its national leadership, which reviewed the prevailing security situation and considered appeals from the state government and other stakeholders.
“The Nigeria Union of Teachers has suspended its withdrawal of services across Oyo State public schools following renewed engagements with the state government and assurances over measures to improve security after the abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government Area,” the NUT said.
The union said the decision was taken in the collective interest of teachers, learners and the general public following the state government’s assurance that sustained efforts were underway to ensure the safe release of the abducted victims, as well as strengthen security around schools and neighbouring communities.
The union noted that it decided to call off the strike after the government promised “intensified rescue efforts for the abducted teachers and learners, establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, continuous engagement with affected families, psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, and the payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.”
The teachers’ union also said that the state government pledged to “strengthen the Safe School Initiative through public sensitisation and early warning systems, improve emergency response mechanisms, address 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 bolster school security.”
The union thanked its members, 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 during the period of the industrial action.
The union charged teachers to be vigilant, obedient to laws and promptly report any security threats within schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.
The NUT pledged to continue engaging the government until all outstanding concerns regarding the safety of teachers and students in the state are fully addressed.
