Oyo Schools Reopen As NUT Suspends One-Month Strike

Public schools in Oyo State reopen today after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) suspended its one-month-old strike.

The union had directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools to withdraw their services from June 1 over the abduction of teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

NUT President, Titus Amba, said the strike was suspended after dialogue with the government and consideration for children who had remained at home.

Amba, who spoke with Punch, said, “We have done one of the most important things, which is to show solidarity with our colleagues. We have also had dialogue with the government.

“We decided to call off the strike because of the little ones who remain at home and can’t go to school because of the incident.”

In a statement by the Oyo NUT Chairman, Hassan Fatai, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union directed teachers to resume on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

“The union directs all public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to resume official duties from Thursday, July 2, 2026,” the statement read.

The union said the government had promised intensified rescue efforts, improved school security and support for affected families.

Oyo Govt Commends Union

The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, commended the NUT for suspending the strike.

“By calling off the month-long strike, the union has graciously saved the Oyo State Government and citizens from the double jeopardy of the kidnapping itself and having to deal with the negative social consequences of having its students engage in idle enterprises,” he said.

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities.