The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has suspended its indefinite strike and directed teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the state to resume work on Thursday.
The News Chronicles recalls that the union embarked on the industrial action following the abduction of teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan and jointly signed by the union’s Chairman, Mr Fatai Hassan, and Secretary, Olukayode Salami.
According to the union, the decision followed fresh engagements with the Oyo State Government, appeals from key stakeholders and a directive from the national leadership of the NUT after reviewing the prevailing security situation.
It said the state government’s assurances to strengthen security in schools and intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims also influenced its decision to call off the strike.
The union said the suspension was taken in the collective interest of teachers, pupils and the general public.
“The government assured the union that sustained efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the abducted teachers and learners while strengthening security around schools and surrounding communities.
“The government pledged to strengthen the Safe School Initiative through public sensitisation and early warning systems, improve emergency response mechanisms, address criminal hideouts, upgrade school infrastructure, tackle illegal mining and open grazing in forest reserves.
“Also, the government would enhance community intelligence gathering, ensure speedy prosecution of criminal suspects, improve the welfare of security personnel and deploy technology to improve school security,” the statement said.
The union added that the government had also committed to intensifying rescue operations for the abducted victims and establishing a well-equipped Joint Security Task Force to patrol vulnerable schools and access routes.
Other measures include continuous engagement with affected families, provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation for rescued victims, as well as payment of gratuities and other entitlements to the families of deceased teachers.
The NUT commended its members, the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) for their discipline, solidarity and compliance during the strike.
It described their support as crucial to advancing the welfare and security of teachers and learners.
The union also urged teachers to remain vigilant, comply with security directives and promptly report any threats within their schools and communities to the appropriate authorities.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and security of teachers, pledging to continue engaging the state government until all outstanding concerns regarding the safety of teachers and students are fully addressed.
(NAN)
