The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has called off the indefinite strike by public school teachers in Oyo State following a directive from its national leadership.
The decision was announced in a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Hassan Fatai, chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the union, and Olukayode Salami, the state secretary.
According to the statement, the suspension followed an assessment of the security situation, as well as discussions with the Oyo State Government and appeals from other key stakeholders.
“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.
“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 explained that the decision was taken in the interest of the public after the state government assured it that efforts to secure the release of the abducted teachers and pupils were continuing.
It added that the government also pledged to establish a fully equipped Joint Security Task Force to carry out routine patrols around vulnerable schools and major access roads.
Other commitments made by the state include sustained communication with the families of the victims, psychosocial care and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and learners, and payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of teachers who lost their lives.
The government also promised to intensify public awareness on safe school initiatives and early warning systems, improve security training and emergency response mechanisms, address ungoverned areas used as hideouts by criminal groups, upgrade school infrastructure, tackle illegal mining and open grazing activities in forest reserves, strengthen intelligence gathering through community collaboration, ensure speedy prosecution of criminals, improve the welfare of security personnel, and deploy technology to enhance school safety.
The union praised teachers across the state for obeying the strike directive and standing together throughout the industrial action.
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“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.
“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.”
The union reaffirmed that it remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of its members and would continue engaging the government until all outstanding issues are fully addressed.
Background
The strike began after the NUT directed teachers in Oyo State to withdraw their services indefinitely over the May 15 abduction of seven teachers and 39 pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.
Armed attackers had invaded three schools in the area, killing a motorcyclist and an assistant headmaster during the assault.
The incident sparked nationwide protests by teachers and school administrators on June 2 after one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity.
Following widespread public condemnation, President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of 1,000 forest guards and special security operatives to support efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
Despite those interventions and repeated assurances from government authorities, the abducted teachers and schoolchildren are yet to regain their freedom.