Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government on Thursday welcomed the suspension of the month-long teachers' strike in Oyo State, describing the development as a significant victory for dialogue and a major step towards restoring uninterrupted learning in public schools across the state.
The suspension was announced by the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, following sustained engagements involving the Federal Ministry of Education, the Oyo State Government, and the leadership of the union at the national, zonal and state levels. The union directed all public primary and secondary school teachers to resume official duties from Thursday, July 2, 2026, bringing an end to the industrial action that was declared in response to the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, who announced the government's position in a statement issued by the ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, described the resolution as a collective commitment by all stakeholders to place the interests, safety and future of learners above every other consideration. "I am glad to report today that the strike has been suspended. Teachers are now returning to school to educate their students. This is the result of our collaboration and coordination with the leadership of the National Union of Teachers and the Government of Oyo State," Alausa said.
The minister commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as exemplary leadership in resolving the dispute through dialogue rather than confrontation. He also praised the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the union's South-West Zonal Chairman, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the leadership of the union's Oyo State chapter for demonstrating statesmanship by placing the interests of schoolchildren above all else.
Beyond the resolution of the industrial dispute, Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government's determination to ensure that insecurity does not deprive Nigerian children of their constitutional right to education. "Our children will remain in school, and we will continue to educate them. We will not succumb to terror. This administration remains resolute in confronting insecurity with every available resource and ensuring that our schools continue to serve as safe places for teaching and learning," he said.
The minister also paid tribute to teachers across the country for their resilience and dedication to educating future generations, describing them as indispensable partners in national development whose sacrifices continue to strengthen the nation's education system. The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to working closely with state governments, teachers' unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety, promote constructive dialogue and protect every child's right to quality education in line with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The strike, which lasted one month, had disrupted academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State after the NUT directed its members to withdraw their services over security concerns arising from the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area. The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, taking 39 pupils and seven teachers captive. One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the abductors.
Following the suspension, public schools across Oyo State reopened on Thursday, July 2, 2026, bringing relief to parents, pupils and other stakeholders in the education sector. The Oyo State Government had also commended the union for suspending the strike, with Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade stating that the decision had saved the state from the double jeopardy of the kidnapping incident and the negative social consequences of having students remain idle and vulnerable.
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