The Federal Government has welcomed the suspension of the teachers’ strike in Oyo State, describing the development as a victory for dialogue and a significant step towards restoring uninterrupted learning in public schools across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, 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 (NUT) at the national, zonal and state levels.
According to the statement, the intervention paved the way for teachers to return to classrooms after weeks of industrial action that disrupted academic activities in public primary and secondary schools.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the suspension of the strike reflected the commitment of all stakeholders to prioritising the welfare and future of schoolchildren.
“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 Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Government of Oyo State,” he said.
Alausa commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for demonstrating leadership in resolving the dispute through dialogue. He also praised the National President of the NUT, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the union’s South-West Zonal Chairman, Comrade Hassan Ajibola Fatai, and the Oyo State leadership of the union for their contributions to resolving the crisis.
The minister 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,” he said.
“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 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, promote dialogue and protect every child’s right to quality education in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The strike was suspended after weeks of disruption to academic activities following the directive by the Nigeria Union of Teachers for its members to withdraw their services over security concerns arising from the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
