Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday commenced an indefinite strike in protest against the abduction of teachers and pupils from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
The industrial action followed the May 15 attack by armed men on Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinle, as well as Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Ogbomoso. During the attack, several teachers and pupils were abducted, while two people were reportedly killed.
In response to the incident, the Oyo State Wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike beginning June 1.
A monitoring visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to public schools in Ibadan showed full compliance with the strike directive.
Schools visited included Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola.
Many students who arrived at their schools as early as 7:45 a.m. were turned back and asked to return home.
Only candidates sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and teachers assigned to invigilation duties were granted access to school premises.
One of the teachers, Mrs Yemisi Alao, said staff members in her school had been instructed not to report for duty in compliance with the union’s directive.
“We are all complying in solidarity with the affected teachers, pupils and their families. We pray that the abducted victims will regain their freedom and return home safely,” she said.
Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, said both students and teachers had been adequately informed ahead of the strike action.
“Only WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said.
Reports from other parts of the state, including Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa and Igboora in Ibarapa, also indicated full compliance with the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools.
