Union resumes academic activities after government assures improved security following Oriire abduction.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its strike in Oyo State, directing all public primary and secondary school teachers to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026, following renewed engagements with the state government over security concerns.
The decision was announced in a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, after the union’s national leadership reviewed the security situation and considered appeals from the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders.
The industrial action was declared after the abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government Area, which sparked widespread concern over the safety of schools across the state.
According to the union, the suspension followed assurances from the government that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted victims and strengthen security in schools and surrounding communities.
Among the government’s commitments are intensified rescue operations, the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, continuous engagement with affected families, psychosocial support for rescued victims, and payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.
The government also pledged to strengthen the Safe School Initiative through improved public sensitisation and early warning systems, upgrade school infrastructure, improve emergency response mechanisms, dismantle criminal hideouts, tackle illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, enhance community intelligence gathering, ensure speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, improve the welfare of security personnel, and deploy technology to boost school security.
The union commended its members, as well as the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), for their discipline and solidarity during the strike.
While directing teachers to return to classrooms, the NUT urged members to remain vigilant and promptly report any security threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of teachers, promising to continue engaging the government until all outstanding concerns are fully addressed.