The Oyo State Government has directed public schools across the state to intensify efforts to recover academic time lost during the recent industrial action triggered by the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, during a stakeholders’ meeting involving the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), TESCOM, and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Olayiwola urged school administrators and teachers to prioritise effective teaching and learning, stressing that students should not suffer long-term academic setbacks because of the disruption caused by the strike. He also reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to strengthening the education sector and improving learning outcomes across the state.
While welcoming the suspension of the strike, leaders of the NUT, ANCOPSS, and AOPSHON renewed their appeal for the government to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the teachers and students who remain in captivity following the May 15, 2026, mass abduction in Oriire.
The strike was declared after the prolonged captivity of the abducted victims, with teachers insisting they would not resume work until stronger action was taken to guarantee the safety of educators and learners across the state.
The Oriire school abduction has reignited national concerns over insecurity in schools and the safety of children and teachers, with education stakeholders continuing to demand urgent and lasting measures to protect schools from criminal attacks.
