FG Hails Suspension Of Oyo Teachers’ Strike, Describes Move As Victory For Dialogue And Learning

FG Hails Suspension of Oyo Teachers’ Strike, Describes Move as Victory for Dialogue and Learning The Federal Government has welcomed the suspension of the strike by teachers in Oyo State, describing the development as a significant victory for dialogue, collaboration, and the continued education of Nigerian children. The Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT in Oyo State had earlier suspended its industrial action and directed public primary and secondary school teachers to resume work following renewed engagements with the state government and assurances over improved security in schools. Reacting to the development, the Federal Government commended both the Oyo State Government and the teachers’ union for resolving the dispute through constructive engagement rather than prolonged confrontation. Officials said the return of teachers to classrooms would restore stability in the education sector and ensure that pupils who had been out of school due to the strike could resume learning without further disruption. The strike was triggered by concerns over insecurity following the abduction of teachers and pupils in parts of the state, which sparked widespread fear and led to the closure of public schools across Oyo State.

Teachers had demanded stronger security guarantees for schools and urgent action to secure the release of abducted victims before resuming academic activities. Following negotiations, the Oyo State Government reportedly made several commitments, including intensified security operations around schools, improved emergency response measures, and enhanced collaboration with security agencies to prevent future attacks. The union later suspended the strike after reviewing these assurances and considering appeals from both state and federal stakeholders. With the suspension of the industrial action, public schools across Oyo State have reopened, allowing thousands of pupils to return to classrooms after weeks of disruption. Education stakeholders say the resumption is critical to restoring academic calendars and reducing learning gaps caused by the prolonged closure. The Federal Government reiterated its call for sustained cooperation between labour unions and government authorities, stressing that dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving disputes in the education sector.