The Federal Government has welcomed the suspension of the teachers’ strike in Oyo State, describing the development as a significant breakthrough achieved through dialogue and collaboration that will restore uninterrupted learning in public schools.
The government said the resolution was reached after sustained consultations 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.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.
Reacting to the suspension of the industrial action, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the outcome reflected the shared commitment of all stakeholders to place the interests 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 demonstrating what he described as exemplary leadership by resolving the dispute through dialogue.
He also praised 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 Oyo State chapter of the union for their efforts in reaching an amicable resolution.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that children continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to quality education across the country.
He pledged that the ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to keep schools open and learning activities uninterrupted.
“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 stated.
The minister also acknowledged the commitment and resilience of teachers nationwide, describing them as critical partners in shaping the future of the country through education.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to working closely with state governments, teachers’ unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to improve school safety, strengthen dialogue and safeguard every child’s right to quality education in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The industrial action had disrupted academic activities in public primary and secondary schools across Oyo State for several weeks after the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to withdraw their services.
The union embarked on the strike following growing security concerns triggered by the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
