Oyo schools will stay shut until security improves, says NUT

Public schools in Oyo State will remain closed until the government implements sufficient security measures, according to the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing. The union has directed teachers in public schools to continue an indefinite strike, which began following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

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As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed.

NUT Secretary Olukayode Salami stated that schools could reopen once the government puts adequate security measures in place to restore confidence among teachers, parents, and students. The decision to withdraw teachers was driven by escalating insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the ongoing captivity of abducted individuals. This situation has created widespread fear, tension, and psychological instability among educators and learners, leading some parents to withdraw their children from school.

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The continuous detention of victims in captivity is another factor of concern to all of us.

Salami explained that the union did not strike immediately after the incident but waited to assess the security situation. The conditions for suspending the academic activities include the safe rescue of all abducted persons and the implementation of robust measures to prevent recurrence. He emphasized that classrooms must remain safe learning environments, not targets for criminal activities. The union leader noted that teachers are not psychologically stable to perform their duties under the current circumstances.

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The emotion, tension and panic in society also contributed to the decision because classrooms were no longer safe and teachers were not psychologically stable to carry out their duties.

The NUT and other stakeholders have held extensive meetings with government officials to discuss solutions to the security challenges. Salami stressed that any grievances against the government should be addressed directly with officials, rather than targeting schools and innocent individuals. The union is open to reviewing its position once meaningful security measures are demonstrably in place.

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The condition we attached was for government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people.