Public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State were largely deserted on Monday as teachers complied with the directive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to begin an indefinite strike over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in the state.
The strike action led to the shutdown of academic activities in several schools, including Community High School, Ogungbade, Ibadan, where classrooms were locked and students were absent as teachers stayed away from duty in compliance with the union’s order.
The industrial action also disrupted the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), as some examination supervisors were seen waiting at centres amid uncertainty over the conduct of the exercise.
The NUT had directed teachers in the state to withdraw their services indefinitely following the continued detention of school staff and pupils abducted in recent attacks, demanding urgent government action to secure their release.
Education stakeholders have expressed concern over the development, warning that prolonged disruption could further affect the academic calendar, while urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts and restore normalcy in schools.
