The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its industrial action across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State, directing members to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

The decision followed renewed engagements with the Oyo State government and assurances on measures to improve security after the abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government Area.

In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the State Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami, the union said the suspension was approved by its national leadership after reviewing the prevailing security situation and considering appeals by the state government and other stakeholders.

According to the statement, the strike, which was declared in protest against the kidnapping of teachers and students in the Oriire Local Government Area, was suspended in the interest of teachers, learners, and the general public.

“The Nigeria Union of Teachers hereby directs all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to resume official duties on Thursday, July 2, 2026,” the statement read.

The union said the state government had assured it of sustained efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims while strengthening security around schools and vulnerable communities across the state.

It noted that the government had committed to intensified rescue operations for the abducted teachers and learners, the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access roads, continuous engagement with affected families, psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, and payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.

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

The union commended its members for their discipline and solidarity throughout the industrial action while also appreciating the support of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON).

“We sincerely appreciate all our members, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, and other stakeholders for their discipline, solidarity, and unwavering support during this period. Your cooperation has once again demonstrated our collective commitment to the welfare and safety of teachers and learners,” the statement added.

While directing teachers to return to the classroom, the union urged members to remain vigilant and report any security threats to the appropriate authorities.

“We urge all teachers to remain vigilant, law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious activities or security threats within their schools and communities to the relevant authorities. Together, we can build safer schools for our children and educators,” it stated.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of teachers, saying it would continue to engage the government until all outstanding concerns regarding the safety of teachers and learners are fully addressed.

“Our resolve to safeguard the lives, welfare and dignity of teachers remains unwavering. We shall continue constructive engagement with the government until every concern relating to the security of our members and learners is adequately addressed,” the statement said. (TRIBUNE)

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