Teaching activities in public main and secondary schools across Oyo State were interrupted on Monday as members of the Nigeria Union of Educators (NUT) commenced an indefinite industrial action in reaction to the recent kidnapping of instructors and students in parts of the state.
The strike, stated by the Oyo State chapter of the union, followed the attack on 3 schools in Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly kidnapped schoolchildren and education workers, while two persons lost their lives.
The affected institutions consist of Community Grammar School and L.A. Main School in Ahoro-Esinle, along with Baptist Nursery and Main School, Yawota, near Ogbomoso, which came under attack on May 15.
A tracking workout throughout public schools in Ibadan revealed widespread compliance with the union’s directive, with classrooms largely deserted and typical scholastic activities suspended.
Schools checked out during the workout, including Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grade School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Design School; and St. Brigid’s School, taped very little activity as teachers kept away from work.
Many students who showed up on school properties early in the morning were reportedly asked to return home due to the ongoing action.
However, schools made exceptions for candidates taking part in the continuous West African Senior School Certificate Assessment (WASSCE). Examination prospects, along with teachers assigned to invigilation and assessment duties, were permitted access to school centers to avoid interruption of the external examination procedure.
Some instructors stated the industrial action was being observed in solidarity with coworkers, students and families impacted by the abduction occurrence.
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According to teachers who spoke on the development, staff members had received prior instructions to comply fully with the union’s choice, while trainees and moms and dads were likewise notified ahead of the strike commencement.
Beyond Ibadan, reports from other areas of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa and Igboora, suggested that public school teachers largely complied with the instruction, reinforcing the statewide impact of the demonstration action.
The strike underscores growing issues amongst education stakeholders over the safety of schools and education workers amid recurring security dangers targeting knowing organizations. While academic activities remain suspended in public schools, assessment operations connected to the ongoing WASSCE continue under unique arrangements.