The Nigeria Union of Teachers has suspended the industrial action embarked upon by public school teachers in Oyo State following fresh discussions with the state government over security concerns arising from the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union announced that teachers in all public primary and secondary schools across the state are to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the State Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami.
According to the statement, the suspension of the strike followed a directive from the national leadership of the union after reviewing the security situation and considering appeals from the Oyo State Government and other stakeholders.
The union explained that it resolved to call off the strike after receiving assurances from the state government that efforts were being intensified to secure the release of the abducted teachers and learners and improve security around schools.
“The decision was taken after renewed engagements with the government and assurances that concrete measures are being implemented to secure the safe release of the abducted teachers and learners, while strengthening security around schools and surrounding communities,” the statement read.
The union disclosed that the government pledged to establish a properly equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access roads, sustain rescue operations for the kidnapped victims, provide psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, and pay gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.
It added that the government also committed to strengthening the Safe School Initiative through improved public awareness and early warning systems, upgrading school infrastructure, enhancing emergency response mechanisms, dismantling criminal hideouts, addressing illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, improving intelligence gathering at the community level, ensuring speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, improving the welfare of security personnel and deploying technology to boost school security.
While appreciating members for their support during the industrial action, the union commended the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria for their solidarity.
“The commitment, discipline and unity demonstrated by our members, ANCOPSS and AOPSHON throughout the strike were instrumental in advancing the welfare and security concerns of teachers and learners,” the statement said.
The union urged teachers to resume their duties on Thursday while remaining vigilant and reporting any security threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and safety of teachers, stressing that it would continue to engage the state government until all outstanding security concerns affecting schools are fully addressed.
