The ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, has left thousands of pupils in public primary and secondary schools out of classrooms, raising growing concerns among parents, teachers, and education stakeholders.
Many residents who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday expressed worry that the prolonged closure of schools is exposing children to idle time, street activities, and negative social influences.
The strike, which began on June 1, 2026, has kept public schools shut across Oyo State following directives from the teachers’ union.
The industrial action was declared in response to the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
Since then, academic activities in public schools have remained suspended, disrupting learning schedules and continuous assessments.
A teacher, Mrs. Yemisi Alao, expressed concern over what she described as poor parental supervision during the strike period.
She said many children are left unattended while parents go about their daily activities.
According to her, some pupils placed under apprenticeships are also not receiving proper guidance or training during this period.
Alao warned that the prolonged shutdown could force schools into rushed academic work once normal activities resume.
She urged parents and communities to take active roles in mentoring children and engaging them in productive learning, sports, and educational activities.
A parent, Mr. Godwin Obinna, said many children are now seen roaming streets or assisting in petty trading activities due to the school closure.
He described the situation as worrying and unfair to both parents and pupils.
Obinna called on the Oyo State Government to urgently resolve the issues behind the strike and strengthen school security systems to prevent future incidents.
In the Yemetu area of Ibadan, Mrs. Bolajoko Yusuf said parents in her neighbourhood have adopted informal community monitoring to keep children safe during school hours.
She explained that parents coordinate supervision and set basic safety rules for children staying at home during the strike.
Another resident, Mrs. Adeola Aina, said she enrolled her children in tailoring apprenticeship to keep them engaged during the strike.
However, she noted that younger children between ages three and seven are the most affected, as they are too young for apprenticeship programmes and often left idle.
Similarly, Mrs. Tunrayo Adeyemo, a resident of Total Garden, said her children spend most of their time at home playing after completing household chores.
She said parents are hopeful that the strike will soon be resolved and called for the safe release of abducted pupils and teachers.
Education stakeholders have continued to call for urgent intervention by the Oyo State Government and relevant authorities to resolve the industrial dispute.
They warned that prolonged school closures could widen learning gaps and negatively affect child development in the state.
