The ongoing indefinite strike by the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has left thousands of pupils out of classrooms across the state, prompting growing concerns among parents over the impact on learning and the safety of their children.
Public primary and secondary schools have remained largely shut since the union directed teachers to withdraw their services on June 1, following the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted by gunmen in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The strike was declared after the abduction of teachers and pupils from schools in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso. The union said the action was necessary to draw the attention of authorities to the urgent need to secure the release of the victims and improve security for teachers and learners.
With schools closed, many pupils have been forced to remain at home, disrupting academic activities and raising fears of learning setbacks, particularly as the third term progresses. Parents who spoke on the development expressed worries that prolonged closure of schools could affect their children’s educational progress and expose them to social risks.
Some parents also voiced concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of classes, urging both the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abductees and restore confidence in the school system.
The NUT has maintained that the strike will continue until the kidnapped teachers and pupils regain their freedom. The union said the prolonged detention of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers while discouraging parents from sending their children to school.
In compliance with the directive, public schools across major parts of the state, including Ibadan, were closed, with only candidates participating in external examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and officials assigned to examination duties granted access to school premises.
The Oyo State Government has continued to work with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims, while the Federal Government has also directed intensified rescue efforts.
Education stakeholders have called for a swift resolution of the crisis, warning that extended disruptions to academic activities could have long-term consequences for pupils already grappling with learning challenges.
As negotiations and rescue efforts continue, parents and community leaders remain hopeful that the abducted teachers and pupils will be safely released, paving the way for the reopening of schools and the return of normal academic activities across Oyo State.
