The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has declared that public schools across the state will remain shut until the government implements effective security measures capable of protecting teachers and students.
The union maintained that the closure, triggered by the abduction of more than 40 teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, would continue until authorities demonstrate a clear commitment to improving safety in schools and surrounding communities.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday, the union’s secretary, Olukayode Salami, said teachers could not be expected to return to classrooms under prevailing security conditions.
According to him, the security crisis has been worsened by the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of several abducted victims, creating fear, uncertainty and emotional distress among educators, learners and parents.
Salami noted that the union initially refrained from embarking on a strike immediately after the abduction but later withdrew teachers from schools when it became evident that the security situation had not improved.
He explained that the psychological impact of the attacks had made it difficult for teachers to perform their duties effectively, while some parents had already begun withdrawing their children from schools out of concern for their safety.
“As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed,” Salami said.
He added that the prolonged detention of those abducted had heightened anxiety within communities and reinforced the union’s decision to keep schools closed.
The NUT secretary outlined key conditions that must be met before the union considers suspending the strike action.
These include the safe rescue of all kidnapped teachers and students, as well as the implementation of concrete security measures to prevent future attacks on schools.
“The condition we attached was for the government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people,” he said.
“Secondly, the government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences.”
Salami stressed that the union’s position was not irreversible, noting that schools could reopen once meaningful security interventions are introduced and confidence is restored among stakeholders.
“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,” he said.
He also condemned attacks on educational institutions, arguing that schools should never become targets for criminal activities or grievances against the government.
“If anybody has a grievance against the government, such persons should address it with the government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said.
Salami disclosed that the NUT, alongside other stakeholders, recently held discussions with government officials to address the growing security challenges affecting schools across the state.
According to him, the engagements produced a communiqué containing recommendations and action plans, which have already been submitted to the government for implementation.
“We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action,” he said.
“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.”
The union further called for a stronger security presence in vulnerable communities, particularly areas prone to criminal attacks.
Salami advocated regular patrols by security agencies and the establishment of joint security teams comprising conventional security operatives, hunters and local vigilante groups.
He also urged authorities to deploy dedicated security formations to local government areas bordering forests and other high-risk zones, with a focus on intelligence gathering and routine patrol operations.
“If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that the government is addressing the situation,” he said.
“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.”
Salami reiterated that safeguarding lives and property remains the responsibility of the government and called for urgent action to secure schools, protect education and reassure the public.
