FG hails suspension of Oyo teachers’ strike

The Federal Government on Thursday welcomed the suspension of the teachers’ strike in Oyo State, describing the decision as a victory for dialogue and a major step towards restoring uninterrupted learning in public schools.

The government said the resolution followed sustained engagements involving the Federal Ministry of Education, the Oyo State Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers at the national, zonal and state levels, leading to the return of teachers to classrooms across the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the outcome demonstrated the commitment of all parties to prioritising the welfare and future of schoolchildren above every other consideration.

Nigeria Launches DNEMIS: What the New Education Data System Means for Students, Schools and Parents0:00 / 1:01

“I am glad to report today that the strike has been suspended. Teachers are now returning to school to educate their students. This is the result of our collaboration and coordination with the leadership of the National Union of Teachers and the Government of Oyo State,” the minister said.

The minister commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he described as exemplary leadership in resolving the dispute through dialogue.

He also praised the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the union’s South-West Zonal Chairman, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, as well as the leadership of the union’s Oyo State chapter for their roles in resolving the dispute.

Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to keep children in school.

“Our children will remain in school, and we will continue to educate them. We will not succumb to terror.

“This administration remains resolute in confronting insecurity with every available resource and ensuring that our schools continue to serve as safe places for teaching and learning,” Alausa said.

He also paid tribute to teachers across the country for their resilience and dedication to educating future generations.

The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to working closely with state governments, teachers’ unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety, encourage dialogue and protect every child’s right to quality education in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The suspension of the industrial action followed weeks of disruption to academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State after the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to withdraw their services over security concerns arising from the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.