The Oyo State Government has appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers to suspend its ongoing strike and allow public schools across the state to resume academic activities.
The appeal followed the disruption in school activities caused by the withdrawal of teachers from classrooms after the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking after the State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government understands the concerns raised by teachers over insecurity. He, however, urged the union to also consider the wider impact of the strike on students, parents, and the state’s education system.
According to Oyelade, the continued closure of schools is affecting the academic calendar and creating social and economic pressure on families across the state.
He said the government remains committed to resolving the security crisis and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to bring the kidnapping incident in Oriire to a conclusion.
The industrial action by the teachers’ union followed the May 15 abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire LGA.
The attack targeted Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele.
More than 40 pupils and teachers were reportedly abducted during the incident, sending shockwaves across Oyo State and sparking renewed concerns over insecurity in schools.
The tragic attack also claimed lives.
One of the victims, teacher Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the invasion. Another victim, Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while in captivity, a development that further intensified outrage and fear among teachers and parents.
The NUT had insisted that teachers would not return to classrooms until the state government puts strong security measures in place to guarantee the safety of staff and students.
The union said its decision was driven by growing concerns over the safety of teachers working in vulnerable communities, especially after the killing of two educators and the continued captivity of several victims.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government announced fresh investments in the education sector as part of efforts to improve learning conditions in public schools.
Oyelade disclosed that the council approved the release of N8.76 billion as the first tranche for the procurement of teaching and learning materials for primary and junior secondary schools across the state.
The fund forms part of a larger education intervention project valued at over N23 billion.
According to the commissioner, the materials to be procured include textbooks in core subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Basic Science.
He explained that the intervention is being carried out in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission and the World Bank to strengthen learning outcomes in the state.
Oyelade added that successful implementation of the project would qualify Oyo State for additional reward-based funding under the programme’s financing arrangement.
The council also approved adjustments to the 2026 budget to accommodate increased funding requests from ministries, departments, and agencies.
According to the government, the budget realignment is aimed at ensuring the completion of ongoing projects across the state before the end of the current administration in 2027.
The latest appeal by the government comes amid growing pressure to restore confidence in public schools and address security threats facing students and teachers.
Parents and stakeholders have continued to call for urgent action to prevent further attacks on schools.
