The Nigeria Union of Teachers has directed public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to suspend their one-month withdrawal of services following fresh security assurances by the state government after the killing of two teachers and the abduction of others in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive, contained in a circular dated July 1, 2026, and signed by the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, and Secretary-General, Dr. Clinton J. Ikpitibo, ordered the reopening of all public schools across the state with effect from Thursday, July 2.
The industrial action was declared after armed attackers invaded schools in Oriire LGA, killing two teachers and abducting other teachers and learners, prompting widespread concern over the safety of schools in the state.
Announcing the suspension of the strike, the union said its decision followed appeals from parents, stakeholders and members of the public, as well as commitments made by the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools.
According to the NUT, the decision also reflected the state government’s “concrete measures” aimed at protecting teachers, learners and the wider school community.
The union said it took note of the personal intervention of the Oyo State Governor and his sustained engagement with the union’s leadership and affected communities, describing the efforts as encouraging.
It added that the state government was collaborating with federal and state security agencies to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted teachers and learners.
The union also welcomed the government’s decision to immediately reinforce security around vulnerable schools and communities through enhanced surveillance and rapid response mechanisms.
It further commended the constitution of an enlarged Safe School Programme Steering Committee comprising representatives of the government, security agencies, the NUT, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria and other stakeholders to monitor the implementation of security interventions.
Despite suspending the strike, the NUT warned that attacks on schools, as well as the abduction and killing of teachers and learners, must end.
It demanded the unconditional release of all those still in captivity, warning that it would mobilise teachers nationwide for industrial action if the wave of attacks on schools persists.
“The Union will not hesitate to mobilize teachers across the Federation for nationwide action should the wanton abduction and killing of teachers and learners continue,” the statement read.
The union pledged continued support for the abducted teachers, learners and their families, saying it would sustain engagements with both the Federal and Oyo State governments to address the growing insecurity affecting schools across the country.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that protect the lives and professional dignity of teachers while guaranteeing uninterrupted access to quality education for Nigerian children.
The NUT expressed appreciation to teachers in Oyo State for complying with the strike directive and acknowledged the support of the leadership of ANCOPSS and AOPSHON throughout the industrial action.
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