Oyo State teachers resume classes after strike suspension

Teachers in Oyo State have returned to their classrooms following the suspension of a strike prompted by security concerns after the abduction of teachers and pupils in the state's Oriire Local Government Area. The Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to resume work on Thursday, July 2, 2026, ending weeks of industrial action that disrupted public primary and secondary schools.

The union's state chapter announced the suspension on Wednesday, July 1, following renewed engagements with the Oyo State Government. According to a statement from the union, the decision came after the government provided assurances on measures to improve school security and secure the safe release of the abducted victims. The union stated that the government had committed to a series of actions, including establishing a Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools, providing psychosocial support for victims, strengthening emergency response mechanisms, and addressing criminal hideouts.

Federal officials welcomed the resolution. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers at the...