NUT suspends strike, directs Oyo teachers to resume Thursday

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has suspended its strike and directed public primary and secondary school teachers to resume duties on Thursday.

Our correspondent recalls that the NUT directed teachers in public schools to suspend their services in the aftermath of the abduction of teachers and learners in three schools in Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State.

The union announced the suspension of the strike in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr Fatai Hassan, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, on Wednesday in Ibadan.

The union said that the suspension followed assurances by the state government to strengthen security in schools.

According to it, the strike was suspended after renewed engagements with the Oyo state government, appeals by key stakeholders and a directive from the union’s national leadership after reviewing the prevailing security situation.

It said that the decision was taken in the collective interest of teachers, learners and the general public.

“The government assured the union that sustained efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted teachers and learners while strengthening security around schools and surrounding communities.

“The government pledged to strengthen the Safe School Initiative through public sensitisation and early warning systems, improve emergency response mechanisms, address criminal hideouts, upgrade school infrastructure, tackle illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves.

“Also, the government would enhance community intelligence gathering, ensure speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, improve the welfare of security personnel and deploy technology to improve school security,” it said.

The union listed government commitments to include intensified rescue efforts for the abducted victims and the establishment of a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes.

Other measures, it said, included continuous engagement with affected families, psycho-social support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, and payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.

The union commended its members, as well as the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), for their discipline, solidarity and compliance during the industrial action.

It described their support as instrumental to advancing the welfare and security of teachers and learners.

The union urged teachers to remain vigilant, obey the law and promptly report any security threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and security of teachers, adding that it would continue engaging the government until all outstanding concerns over the safety of teachers and students were fully addressed.