Oyo schools stay shut until security improves – NUT

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has insisted that public schools in the state will remain closed until concrete security measures are put in place to ensure the safety of teachers and students

The decision follows an indefinite strike declared after the abduction of more than 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

Speaking in Ibadan on Tuesday, the union’s secretary, Olukayode Salami, said schools would only reopen when teachers, parents and pupils are assured of adequate security and confidence in the system is restored.

He explained that teachers were forced to withdraw from classrooms due to worsening insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of some of those abducted.

Salami noted that the situation has created widespread fear, anxiety, and emotional distress, adding that some parents have already withdrawn their children from school due to safety concerns.

He said, “As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed.

“The continuous detention of victims in captivity is another factor of concern to all of us.

“The emotion, tension and panic in society also contributed to the decision because classrooms were no longer safe and teachers were not psychologically stable to carry out their duties.”

According to him, the union did not immediately embark on strike after the incident but was compelled to act when it became clear that security conditions had not improved.

He added that the NUT has set conditions for resumption, including the safe rescue of abducted victims and the implementation of preventive security measures.

“The condition we attached was for government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people.

“Secondly, government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences.

“No condition is permanent and no decision is permanent.

Once meaningful measures are put in place, there will be a need to review the position and see how we can collectively move forward,” he said.

Salami stressed that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and should not be targeted by criminals.

“If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he added.

He also disclosed that the union has held discussions with government officials, resulting in a communiqué and action plan already submitted for implementation.

“We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action.

Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work,” he said.

Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates