Oyo Teachers Begin Indefinite Strike As NUT Orders Withdrawal Of Services Over Continued Abduction Of Colleagues, Students

Ibadan, Oyo State– The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers to withdraw their services indefinitely beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, in protest against the continued detention of abducted teachers and students by kidnappers.

The directive, issued by the national leadership of the union and communicated to members across the country, affects teachers in public primary and secondary schools and is expected to result in the closure of schools until further notice.

In Oyo State, the union formally notified its members of the industrial action through a statement dated May 31, 2026, and signed by the State Secretary, Comrade Salami B. Olukayode.

The notice was addressed to all elected state officers, members of the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC), branch trustees, headteachers, principals, and teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

According to the statement, the withdrawal of services takes immediate effect and all affected teachers are expected to comply fully with the directive.

The statement read, “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, NUT instructing us to withdraw our services from schools commencing from Tomorrow, Monday 1st June, 2026 till further notice for maximum compliance.”

The union explained that the decision was taken in response to the continued captivity of abducted teachers and learners, expressing concern over the failure to secure their release despite the passage of time.

According to the NUT, the prolonged detention of the victims has created widespread fear among teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to school, and heightened tension in affected communities.

“Kindly note that the directive was given against the continued detention of our colleagues and learners by the abductors without any clear sign of their timeous rescue and safe release, a situation which had created fear and hopelessness in teachers, discouraged parents from sending their children to schools and caused panics and tensions across all communities in the state,” the union stated.

The NUT said the action was intended to increase pressure on government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the abducted victims and ensuring their safe return.

“While this action was taken to further call on the government to intensify strategies towards bringing the abductees back safely and without any further delay, we wish to call on our teachers to remain law-abiding and stay safe in their respective homes,” they added.

The union further assured members that it would continue lawful engagements with government authorities and other stakeholders until the abducted teachers and students are rescued.

It also expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, describing the situation as a painful ordeal for the education community and the nation at large.

“The union and entire teachers in the country stand in solidarity with the victims and their families as more lawful engagements with the government for the safe return of the abductees continue,” NUT said.