ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the continued abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State disrupted academic activities across public primary and secondary schools on Monday.
The action, which took effect on June 1, resulted in deserted classrooms and suspended learning in many schools as teachers stayed away from work in compliance with the union’s directive.
At Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, classrooms remained under lock and key, while students who arrived for classes were forced to return home after finding no teachers on duty.
The strike also affected the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with some examination supervisors waiting for clarity on the situation before activities could proceed.
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The NUT had directed all public school teachers in the state to withdraw their services indefinitely in protest against the continued captivity of teachers and pupils abducted on May 15 from Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, in Oriire Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Olukayode Salami, the union expressed concern over the lack of certainty regarding the rescue and safe return of the victims.
According to the union, the prolonged captivity of the abducted teachers and pupils has deepened fears among education workers and created anxiety among parents, many of whom have become reluctant to send their children to school.