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Oyo Schools will stay Shut until Security Improves, says NUT

June 23, 2026 by admin

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has stated that public schools in the state should only reopen after the government has implemented sufficient security measures to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers, and other school personnel. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NUT directed teachers in public schools to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15. The secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, told NAN in Ibadan on Tuesday that schools might reopen once the government implements adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners. Salami said the union’s decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was prompted by growing insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of abducted victims. According to him, the development created fear, tension and psychological instability among teachers and learners, while some parents had also begun withdrawing their children from schools. “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,” he said. The NUT secretary noted that the union did not immediately embark on the strike after the incident but took the decision when it became apparent that the security situation had not improved sufficiently. He said the union attached conditions to the suspension of academic activities, including the safe rescue of abducted persons and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence. “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,” the secretary said. Salami also said that schools should remain safe learning environments and not become targets of criminal activities. “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 said. The union leader disclosed that the NUT and other stakeholders recently held marathon meetings with government officials to discuss solutions to the security challenges. According to him, a communiqué was issued after the meetings, while action plans were also developed and submitted to the government 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. Salami called for increased security patrols across vulnerable parts of the state, saying such measures would reassure residents and discourage criminal activities. He suggested the establishment of joint security task forces comprising conventional security agencies and local security outfits, including hunters and vigilante groups. According to him, local government areas bordering forests and other vulnerable locations should have dedicated security formations carrying out regular patrols and intelligence gathering. “If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that government is addressing the situation. “There should be no room for criminality. Once confidence and peace of mind are restored, people will be able to go about their normal activities, including teaching and learning,” he said. Salami, however, noted that the responsibility for providing security rests with the government, which possesses the required personnel, logistics and authority to deploy security operatives where necessary. He urged the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgency in the interest of education and public safety. (NAN)

NANS Backs NLC, NUT Protests Demanding Rescue of Abducted Students

June 4, 2026 by admin

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reiterated its resolve to ensure the rescue of abducted students and teachers nationwide, expressing support for the advocacy campaign led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to secure their safe release. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and education workers following recent abductions in parts of the country. Akinteye said the student body remained focused on ensuring that all abducted students and teachers regain their freedom, stressing that NANS would continue to engage relevant authorities and mobilise support for efforts geared towards their rescue. According to him, the association identifies with the concerns raised by organised labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, over the recurring incidents of kidnapping targeting schools and education personnel. “The safety of students and teachers must remain a national priority. NANS will continue to support every legitimate effort aimed at securing the release of those in captivity and preventing future occurrences,” he said. The NANS president said the recent wave of attacks on schools and education workers has created fear among students and parents, warning that insecurity could undermine access to education if urgent action is not taken. “Education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. When students are afraid to go to school and teachers are uncertain of their safety, the future of the country is placed at risk. This is why all stakeholders must unite to confront this challenge,” he said. Akinteye added that NANS would continue to work with labour unions, parents, community leaders and security agencies to sustain pressure on the government until the abductees are rescued. “We commend the NLC and the NUT for standing up for the rights and safety of teachers and students. Their advocacy has helped draw national attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for stronger protection of schools,” he stated. While reaffirming support for the ongoing campaign, Akinteye stressed that the association’s primary concern remains the welfare of the victims rather than political considerations. “This is not the time for division or grandstanding. Our concern is the safe return of every abducted child and teacher. We must keep the focus on the victims and their families who are going through immense pain and uncertainty,” he said. The NANS president, however, distanced the association from groups he described as politically affiliated, insisting that the campaign for the rescue of abducted children should not be used as a platform for partisan interests. “We welcome support from all well-meaning Nigerians, but we believe advocacy on issues as sensitive as the lives of students and teachers must be driven by sincerity, responsibility and a genuine commitment to national interest,” he said. Akinteye also dismissed reports questioning his studentship status, describing the claims as false and reiterating that he remains a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology. He urged media organisations to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication, noting that misinformation could distract from the urgent task of addressing insecurity in schools. “We will continue to defend the interests of Nigerian students andightened hat attention remains on the plight of abducted students and teachers. Our priority is their safe return and the protection of educational institutions across the country,” he added. “We are calling on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively. Every day spent in captivity is another day of trauma for the victims and their families. The rescue of these children and teachers must be treated as a matter of national urgency,” he added. The statement comes amid heightened concerns over the security of schools following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect learning institutions. In response to the abduction, the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to embark on a nationwide strike, citing growing insecurity and the need for urgent government action to safeguard teachers and pupils. The action received the backing of the Nigeria Labour Congress, which expressed solidarity with the teachers and demanded immediate steps to secure the release of those held captive. NANS had earlier mobilised students and stakeholders for advocacy activities in support of the victims, maintaining that the protection of schools and the safety of learners must remain a priority for governments at all levels.

Oriire School Attack: Protest Erupts in Ibadan as NUT Begins Indefinite Strike

June 1, 2026 by admin

Tension heightened in Oyo State on Monday as members of the Take-It-Back Movement took to the streets of Ibadan to protest the deteriorating security situation and the prolonged captivity of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area. The protest came barely 24 hours after the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, directed public primary and secondary school teachers across the state to embark on an indefinite strike over the abduction of their colleagues and pupils. The demonstrators converged on Mokola Roundabout, one of the busiest junctions in Ibadan, carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs while demanding urgent action from government and security agencies to secure the release of the victims and curb rising cases of kidnapping in the state. Some of the placards displayed during the protest bore inscriptions such as, “Security for all, not for a few,” “Government must end kidnapping in Oyo State,” “We demand safer roads and communities,” “Protect farmers, traders and students,” and “Peace, security and justice.” Speaking during the demonstration, one of the protesters said residents were becoming increasingly frustrated by the persistent insecurity across the country. “Let them know that the people of Nigeria are not at peace. Let them know that the people of Oyo State are not smiling. Let them know that the Nigerian people are fed up with insecurity,” the protester declared. The protest followed growing public outrage over the abduction of pupils, students and teachers during attacks on schools and surrounding communities in Ahoro-Esiele area of Oriire Local Government Area. The victims were reportedly kidnapped after armed men invaded the schools and nearby communities, triggering widespread fear among residents, parents and education stakeholders. Family members of the abductees have repeatedly appealed to the Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of their loved ones. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, in a statement issued on Sunday by its Oyo State Chairman, Hassan A. Fatai, and Secretary, Comrade Salami Olukayode, directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to withdraw their services beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, until further notice. The union said the directive became necessary due to the continued captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils, as well as growing fears over the safety of teachers and learners across the state. According to the statement, the prolonged detention of the victims has created anxiety among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school and heightened tension in affected communities. The NUT stated that the industrial action was intended to draw urgent attention to the need for government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of the abductees without delay. “The union urges all teachers to comply fully with this directive, remain law-abiding and stay safe in their respective homes throughout the period of the strike,” the statement read in part. The union also reaffirmed its solidarity with the abducted teachers, pupils and their families, assuring members that engagements with relevant authorities would continue until the victims regain their freedom.

No Teacher Beaten To Death In Oyo – Govt, NUT Clears Air On Fake News

November 11, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – THE Oyo State Ministry of Education and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, have cleared the air on the alleged beating of a teacher to death in Ogbomoso by students, describing the viral news story as fake and a complete misrepresentation of facts. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola; Oyo State NUT Chairman, Comrade Raji Oladimeji and the Principal of Soun High School, Ogbomoso, Mr Ajayi Adeyinka, who spoke separately on Monday, gave detailed accounts of the incident. The trio noted that the claim that the deceased teacher, Mr Adegoke Fatai Abiodun, was beaten to death by some students is false and unfounded, stating that the incident in which he caught four students gambling within school premises happened on May 28, 2025, while the teacher died on November 4, 2025. The Oyo State Government and the Education family in Oyo State commiserated with the family of the deceased, praying for the repose of his soul, while also warning members of the public to be wary of fake news. Olayiwola, while speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting of the education family in the state, held at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s Conference Room, said the Ministry’s investigations from the school showed that the deceased was not beaten by the students. He said that though it was true that the late Mr Adegoke caught four students gambling in school, he was not beaten by the students, but that he dislocated an arm while trying to beat one of the culprits. He added that the teacher made efforts to treat the dislocated arm through local bone therapist and a private hospital, but it was later discovered that he had bone marrow cancer and that it was already at Stage 4. He warned reporters and residents of the state to be wary of fake news, stating that the public needs to exercise caution with regards to unverified information. He said: “We have gone into the roots of the matter and found out that the information is false. We asked the principal to report to the Ministry and he is sitting down here. “The fact of the matter is that the late Mr Adegoke Fatai had been sick. But the actual disease was not diagnosed until recently. The principal of the school told me that he used to go for medical attention since the time he got sick up until the time he died. “We were told that he was admitted into the hospital two weeks ago and that was where he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer. “I also spoke with the wife of the deceased, who is incidentally a staff member of TESCOM, and she told me that it was not a matter of some students beating her husband. “What happened was that Mr Adegoke apprehended four students, who were gambling within the school premises. One of the boys was enrolled into the school by the deceased, as he was his friend’s son. Upon seeing someone so close to him among the culprits, we were told that Mr Adegoke lifted his hand to beat the boy, but that boy ducked and the late teacher’s hand landed on the boy’s elbow. This led to the hand swelling and the teacher was given medical attention immediately. “It was while he was treating the hand that it was discovered that the local approach and the attention from a private hospital were inadequate and he was referred to a government hospital, where he was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, which had sadly, reached Stage 4. “It is sad that some people are using the sad incident of his death to fabricate lies and peddle rumours that don’t exist. “For you to know how far we went to investigate this incident, we called for the TESCOM chairperson, who is here with us. The Chairman of the NUT in Oyo State, Comrade Raji Oladimeji, is here seated. The Oyo ANCOPPS President is here seated. The Secretary-General of the NUT in Oyo State is here. “We also have the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Permanent Secretaries/Tutors-General and the Inspectors-General of Education from Ogbomoso and other people who have one thing or the other to do with education in Ogbomosoland are here. “As part of my investigations, I have even spoken with the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, who is from Ogbomoso and he told me that he has been there and has seen the situation himself. I spoke with the LG Chairman of Ogbomoso North, and he told me that he was with the wife of the deceased this morning. “We shall be sending a powerful delegation to the wife tomorrow, which would be led by the TESCOM Chairman, to condole with her and the family of the deceased. I was even told that the boy who Mr Adegoke tried to reprimand, which led to his mishap, has been distraught since he passed away.” Speaking earlier, the Principal of Soun High School, Mr Adeyinka, said the incident was wrongly reported, saying that Mr Adegoke, a dedicated teacher, died after he had been down with bone marrow cancer, which was diagnosed late and not because he was beaten by students at the school. “The whole incident happened on May 28, 2025. But he was not beaten by the students. His attempt to beat one of the students made him dislocate an arm and he sought medical help. Along the line, I learnt that he visited a local bone therapist to mend the arm. On an occasion, I went to visit him, and I discovered that the local therapist could not take care of the bone. He was taken to a private hospital (names withheld). “It was at that hospital that it was discovered that his bones were weakened and the doctor called it brittle bones. I went to see him again at that hospital, but I discovered that his condition had not improved. I had … Read more

Oyo Schools will stay Shut until Security Improves, says NUT

NANS Backs NLC, NUT Protests Demanding Rescue of Abducted Students

Oriire School Attack: Protest Erupts in Ibadan as NUT Begins Indefinite Strike

No Teacher Beaten To Death In Oyo – Govt, NUT Clears Air On Fake News

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