The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, has declared that public schools in the state will remain closed until adequate security measures are put in place to guarantee the safety of teachers and students.
The union said the decision follows growing concerns over insecurity, particularly the abduction of students and teachers as well as the killing of two teachers in recent incidents.
Speaking on the development, NUT Secretary Olukayode Salami said the union would only consider reopening schools when the government demonstrates clear progress in addressing security challenges.
“Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work.”
According to him, the prolonged insecurity has created fear, anxiety and psychological distress among teachers, learners and parents, making the learning environment unsafe.
Salami explained that the union initially exercised patience after the abduction incident but later resolved to withdraw teachers from classrooms when it became clear that security concerns remained unresolved.
The union is demanding the safe rescue of all abducted victims and the implementation of effective measures to prevent future attacks on schools.
“Government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences.”
The NUT also called for increased security patrols, especially in vulnerable communities, and recommended the creation of joint security teams involving conventional security agencies, hunters and vigilante groups.
Salami stressed that schools should remain places of learning and not become targets for criminal activities.
He added that discussions had already been held with government officials and that the union is awaiting the implementation of agreed action plans aimed at improving security across the state.
The union maintained that once confidence is restored and meaningful security measures are visible, schools can safely reopen and academic activities can resume.
Source: NAN
