Oyo Teachers Resume Work As NUT Suspends Strike After Government’s Security Assurances

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended the strike action embarked upon by public school teachers across Oyo State following renewed discussions with the state government and fresh assurances on measures to improve security after the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.

The union announced that all teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the state are to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026, bringing the industrial action to an end. The decision followed consultations with the union’s national leadership, which reviewed the current security situation and considered appeals from the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders.

The strike was declared after more than 40 teachers and learners were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area early last month. More than a month later, the victims remain in captivity, although the state government has continued to assure residents that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe release.

In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union explained that the suspension followed commitments made by the state government to improve school security and intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims.

According to the union, the decision was taken in the best interest of teachers, students and the wider public after the government assured it that concrete steps were being implemented to address the security concerns that led to the strike.

The Oyo State Government reportedly pledged to:

• Intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted teachers and learners.
• Establish a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes.
• Maintain continuous engagement with affected families.
• Provide psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims.
• Pay gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.
• Strengthen the Safe School Initiative through public awareness campaigns and early warning systems.
• Improve emergency response mechanisms.
• Dismantle criminal hideouts across affected communities.
• Upgrade security infrastructure around schools.
• Tackle illegal mining and open grazing activities in forest reserves.
• Strengthen community intelligence gathering.
• Ensure the speedy prosecution of criminal suspects.
• Improve the welfare of security personnel.
• Deploy technology to enhance school security.

The union praised its members, alongside the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), for their discipline, unity and compliance throughout the strike period.

According to the union, their collective support played a significant role in drawing attention to the security challenges confronting teachers and learners across the state.

While directing members to resume academic activities, the NUT urged teachers to remain security conscious, obey all lawful directives and promptly report suspicious movements or security threats around schools and their communities to relevant authorities.

The union also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of teachers, stressing that it would continue engaging the government until all outstanding concerns relating to the protection of teachers and students are fully addressed.

Teachers across Oyo State withdrew their services after the abduction of over 40 teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. The incident sparked protests and widespread concern over the safety of schools across the state.

Although the abducted victims have yet to regain their freedom, the state government has repeatedly assured residents that efforts are ongoing to ensure their safe return.