The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended the indefinite strike by public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State, directing members to return to the classroom from Thursday.
The union said the decision followed a directive from its national leadership after reviewing the security situation and holding consultations with the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the NUT, Hassan Fatai, and the union’s Secretary, Olukayode Salami.
“This is to officially convey to all Public Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Oyo State that the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), having reviewed the prevailing situation and following constructive engagements with the Oyo State Government and public appeal by the government and other critical stakeholders, has directed the suspension of the withdrawal of services earlier embarked upon over the abduction of teachers and learners in Oriire Local Government of the State,” the statement read.
“Consequently, all teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State are hereby directed to resume their official duties and lawfully discharge their responsibilities as from Thursday, 2nd July, 2026.”
The union said it agreed to suspend the strike after the state government assured it that efforts were being intensified to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils.
It said the government also pledged to establish a properly equipped Joint Security Task Force to carry out regular patrols around vulnerable schools and access roads.
Other commitments, according to the union, include sustained engagement with the families of the victims, psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and learners, and the payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of teachers who lost their lives.
The government also promised to strengthen public awareness on safe school initiatives and early warning systems, improve security training and emergency response, tackle ungoverned areas used by criminal elements, upgrade school infrastructure, and address insecurity linked to illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves.
The union added that the government had undertaken to improve collaboration between communities and security agencies, ensure speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, enhance the welfare of security personnel, and deploy technology to strengthen security in schools.
The NUT commended teachers across the state for complying with the industrial action.
“Your unwavering commitment to the directives of the Union has further strengthened our collective voice in pursuing the welfare, wellbeing, safety and security of teachers and learners,” the statement said.
It urged members to remain vigilant after resuming work.
“While resuming academic activities, members are enjoined to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperate with school authorities and security agencies by promptly reporting any security concerns within their respective communities,” it said.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and safety of its members, saying it would continue to engage the state government until all outstanding issues are resolved.
The strike began after the NUT, in a circular dated 29 May, directed teachers across Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely over the abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May.
The attack occurred when gunmen invaded three schools in the council, killing a motorcyclist and an assistant headmaster before abducting the victims.
The incident sparked nationwide protests by teachers and school principals on 2 June after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by the kidnappers while in captivity.
Following the outrage, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and other security personnel to facilitate the rescue of the abductees.
However, the victims are yet to regain their freedom despite repeated assurances by the government that efforts are ongoing to secure their release.
