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The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State has suspended its strike and directed public primary and secondary school teachers to resume duties on Thursday, following government assurances to strengthen school security.
The union announced the suspension in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Fatai Hassan, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, on Wednesday in Ibadan.
The strike was called after the abduction of teachers and learners in three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The union said the suspension followed renewed engagements with the Oyo State government, appeals by key stakeholders and a directive from the union’s national leadership.
The union said the government had provided assurances 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 also 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, and deploy technology to improve school security.
Other commitments include intensified rescue efforts for the abducted victims, the establishment of a Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes, continuous engagement with affected families, and payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.
“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,” it said.
“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.”
The union said the decision was taken in the collective interest of teachers, learners and the general public.
It commended its members, along with 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.
Teachers were urged by the union to maintain vigilance, comply with the law, and notify the appropriate authorities of any security threats in their communities and schools.
It reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the security and well-being of educators and declared that it would keep interacting with the government until all unresolved issues were resolved.
