Oyo NUT Strike Records Full Compliance, WAEC Candidates Exempted Amid Abduction Concerns

Teachers in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State on Monday began an indefinite strike to protest the kidnap of teachers and pupils of three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

Armed men attacked Community Grammar School, L.A. Primary School, both in Ahoro- Esinele and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, near Ogbomoso, where pupils and teachers were abducted and two persons killed, the News Agency of Nigeria reports on May 15.

The NUT, Oyo State Wing, in the wake of the incident, ordered teachers in the state to proceed on an indefinite strike to commence on June 1.

Our NAN correspondent who monitored the strike in public schools in Ibadan reports full compliance with the indefinite strike.

Among the schools visited were Anglican Junior Secondary School, Orita-Mefa; St. Patrick Secondary School, Bashorun; St. Louis Grammar School, Mokola; Oba Akinbiyi Model School; and St. Brigid’s School, Mokola.

NAN said many students came to their schools as early as 7.45 a.m. but were turned back and told to go home.

NAN also reported that only candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and teachers on invigilation duties were allowed into the school premises.

One of the teachers, Mrs Yemisi Alao, told NAN that staff members in her school had been advised not to report for duty in obedience to the union’s directive.

‘We are all in unity with the affected teachers, pupils and their families who are complying. “We pray for the kidnapped victims to be released and come home safe,” she said.

Another teacher, Mrs Tayo Olutayo, said that both students and teachers had been well informed about the industrial action before it.

“Only the WAEC candidates and teachers involved in the examination process are expected to be in school,” she said.

There were also reports from other parts of the state, such as Oyo, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa and Igboora in Ibarapa that the strike by teachers in public primary and secondary schools was fully observed.