Oyo Public Schools Follow NUT Directive, Launch Strike Over Student and Teacher Abductions

On Monday, teachers in public primary and secondary schools throughout Oyo State began an indefinite strike to protest the kidnapping of teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armed men attacked Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School, both located in Ahoro‑Esinele, and Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Ogbomoso, on 15 May. The assault resulted in the abduction of pupils and teachers and the deaths of two people.

In response, the NUT Oyo State Wing directed teachers in the state to commence an indefinite strike on 1 June.

A NAN correspondent monitoring the strike in Ibadan schools reported full compliance with the directive.

Visited schools included Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita‑Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola.

NAN noted that many students who arrived as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back and asked to return home.

Only candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and teachers assigned to invigilation duties were allowed onto school premises.

Mrs Yemisi Alao, a teacher, told NAN that staff at her school had been instructed not to report for duty in accordance with the union’s directive.

“We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils and their families. We pray that the abducted victims will regain their freedom and return home safely,” she said.

Mrs Tayo Olutayo, another teacher, said both students and teachers had been adequately informed ahead of the industrial action.

“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 Ibarapa—indicate full compliance with the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools. (NAN)