The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has suspended its industrial action across public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State, directing members to resume duties on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The strike was declared in protest against the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The decision to suspend the industrial action followed renewed discussions with the Oyo State Government and fresh assurances on measures to strengthen security in schools and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
In a statement jointly signed by the Oyo State Chairman of the union, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the State Secretary, Comrade Olukayode Salami, the NUT said its National Headquarters approved the suspension after reviewing the security situation and considering appeals by the state government and other stakeholders.
According to the union, the Oyo State Government assured it that efforts to rescue the abducted teachers and learners would be intensified while security around schools and vulnerable communities would be significantly strengthened.
The union disclosed that the government had pledged to establish a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access roads across the state.
Other commitments made by the government include sustained rescue operations for the abducted victims, regular engagement with affected families, psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued teachers and students, as well as the payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.
The NUT also said the government promised to strengthen the Safe School Initiative through increased public awareness campaigns, improved early warning systems, enhanced emergency response mechanisms and the dismantling of criminal hideouts.
Additional measures include upgrading school infrastructure, tackling illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves, improving community intelligence gathering, ensuring the speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, enhancing the welfare of security personnel and deploying technology to improve security in schools.
The union expressed appreciation to its members for their discipline, patience and solidarity throughout the strike.
It also commended the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) for their support during the industrial action.
With the suspension of the strike, public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State are expected to resume academic activities on Thursday, July 2.
