Public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State have been directed to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, following a directive from the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
Key Highlights:
- Nigeria Union of Teachers ordered an indefinite strike in Oyo State.
- The action followed the abduction of teachers still in captivity.
- Fear and insecurity among teachers and parents contributed to the decision.
- The strike is meant to push for the victims’ safe release.
- Public school activities in the state are expected to be disrupted.
The directive, conveyed in a circular issued by the Oyo State Wing of the NUT and signed by State Secretary Comrade Salami B. Olukayode on Sunday, ordered all teachers in public schools across the state to stay away from classrooms until further notice.
According to the union, the industrial action was necessitated by the continued captivity of some teachers who were abducted by kidnappers, with no clear indication of their imminent rescue or release.
The union expressed concern that the prolonged detention of the victims has created widespread fear and uncertainty among teachers, while also discouraging parents from sending their children to school.
“This is to officially convey to all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State the fresh directive of the national leadership of our union instructing us to withdraw our services from schools commencing from Monday, June 1, 2026, till further notice for maximum compliance,” the circular stated.
The NUT noted that the situation has generated panic and tension in affected communities and among education stakeholders, prompting the decision to embark on the strike as a way of drawing attention to the plight of the abducted teachers.
The union said the action is aimed at compelling government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the safe return of the victims without further delay.
While urging members to comply fully with the directive, the union appealed to teachers to remain law-abiding and stay safe in their homes throughout the period of the strike.
“The union and teachers across the country stand in solidarity with the victims and their families as lawful engagements with the government continue for the safe return of the abductees,” the statement added.
The development is expected to disrupt academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State, as thousands of teachers join the nationwide solidarity action pending further directives from the union leadership.
