Public primary and secondary school teachers across Oyo State on Monday commenced an indefinite strike in compliance with a directive issued by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, following the recent abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The industrial action stems from the May 15 attack by armed men on Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Ogbomoso. During the attack, several teachers and pupils were kidnapped, while two persons lost their lives.
In response to the incident, the NUT directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike beginning June 1 to protest the worsening security situation affecting schools in the state.
A monitoring visit to several public schools in Ibadan revealed full compliance with the union’s directive. Schools visited included Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School and St. Brigid’s School, both in Mokola; and Oba Akinbiyi Model School.
Students who arrived at school premises as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back and instructed to return home, as academic activities were suspended.
However, candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and teachers assigned to examination duties were allowed access to school premises.
Speaking on the strike, a teacher, Mrs. Yemisi Alao, said members were fully complying with the union’s directive in solidarity with the affected victims and their families.
“We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils, and their families. We pray that the abducted victims regain their freedom and return home safely,” she said.
Another teacher, Mrs. Tayo Olutayo, noted that both staff and students had been adequately informed about the industrial action before its commencement.
“Only WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said.
Reports from other parts of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa, and Igboora in the Ibarapa area, also indicated full compliance with the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
The strike is expected to continue indefinitely pending further directives from the union and improvements in security measures for schools across the state.
