ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government on Thursday welcomed the suspension of the teachers’ strike in Oyo State, describing the development as a triumph of dialogue and a significant step towards restoring uninterrupted academic activities in public schools.
It said the resolution was achieved through 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, resulting in teachers returning 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.
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The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the outcome reflected the commitment of all parties to placing the welfare and future of schoolchildren above every other consideration.
“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.
Alausa commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he described as exemplary leadership in resolving the dispute through dialogue.
He also lauded the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the union’s South-West Zonal Chairman, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the leadership of the union’s Oyo State chapter for their contributions to resolving the impasse.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to guaranteeing uninterrupted access to quality education and pledged continued collaboration with relevant 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 unwavering commitment to educating future generations.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its resolve to continue working closely with state governments, teachers’ unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety, promote dialogue and safeguard every child’s right to quality education in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The suspension of the industrial action came after weeks of disruption to academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State, following the Nigeria Union of Teachers directive for its members to withdraw their services over security concerns linked to the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area.